• A Palestinian rides a horse during a horse race on the grounds of Yasser Arafat Airport in eastern Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, 28 June 2022. The Yasser Arafat Airport, opened in November 1998, is not operational since December 2001 after the facility buildings were targeted by Israeli airstrikes, while the runway was damaged by Israeli bulldozers in 2002. EPA / MOHAMMED SABER
    A Palestinian rides a horse during a horse race on the grounds of Yasser Arafat Airport in eastern Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, 28 June 2022. The Yasser Arafat Airport, opened in November 1998, is not operational since December 2001 after the facility buildings were targeted by Israeli airstrikes, while the runway was damaged by Israeli bulldozers in 2002. EPA / MOHAMMED SABER
  • Jockeys compete in a race at the airfield.
    Jockeys compete in a race at the airfield.
  • The airport has not operated since December 2001 after it was hit by Israeli air strikes.
    The airport has not operated since December 2001 after it was hit by Israeli air strikes.
  • A Palestinian girl stands near destroyed buildings on the grounds of the airport.
    A Palestinian girl stands near destroyed buildings on the grounds of the airport.
  • The runway was damaged by Israeli bulldozers in 2002.
    The runway was damaged by Israeli bulldozers in 2002.
  • A person sits on an arch of a destroyed airport building.
    A person sits on an arch of a destroyed airport building.
  • The airport was officially opened on November 24, 1998, by the late Palestinian ledaer Yasser Arafat, in the presence of former US president Bill Clinton and other world leaders.
    The airport was officially opened on November 24, 1998, by the late Palestinian ledaer Yasser Arafat, in the presence of former US president Bill Clinton and other world leaders.
  • Since its destruction, the site has become derelict, with no authority managing it.
    Since its destruction, the site has become derelict, with no authority managing it.
  • Youths play near a destroyed building on the grounds of the airport.
    Youths play near a destroyed building on the grounds of the airport.
  • Over the years, Gaza residents have been racing horses, camels and cars at the site.
    Over the years, Gaza residents have been racing horses, camels and cars at the site.

MENA

Horse racing at abandoned Gaza airport - in pictures

The facility has not operated since December 2001

The National

June 29, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic
Updated: June 29, 2022, 1:22 PM
GazaPhotography

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