FA Announces Minute of Silence for Israel and Palestine Victims Prior to England vs Australia Match

The Football Association has confirmed a period of silence will be held for victims of the deadly events in Israel and Palestine before England face Australia on Friday.

Terrorist group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on 7 October as fighters entered the Gaza strip, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people since the weekend. More than 1,300 people have been killed in Gaza since retaliatory strikes from Israel.

Food, water, fuel and medicine has been stopped from entering the territory.

A statement from the FA reads: 'On Friday evening, we will remember the innocent victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine.

'Our thoughts are with them, and their families and friends in England and Australia and with all the communities who are affected by this ongoing conflict. We stand for humanity and an end to the death, violence, fear, and suffering.

'England and Australia players will wear black armbands during their match at Wembley Stadium and there will also be a period of silence held before kick-off.

'Following discussions with partners and external stakeholders, we will only permit flags, replica kits, and other representations of nationality for the competing nations inside Wembley Stadium for the upcoming matches against Australia [13 Oct] and Italy [17 Oct].

'The British Red Cross has also launched an emergency appeal to support the people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the region, and we will promote this appeal within the stadium on Friday.'

UEFA recently announced all international games involving Israel have been postponed in light of the current security situation.

Officials from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have asked major sports bodies to mark the crisis. Wembley's arch was lit in the colors of Ukraine last year in response to Russia's invasion. French colors were also displayed on top of England's home stadium in 2015 after attacks in Paris.