PARIS — Basketball’s top European competitions are set to become the first to return to Israel since Hamas’s invasion in 2023, after clubs agreed on Tuesday to resume Euroleague and EuroCup games in the country from December 1, following recent ceasefire and peace initiatives in the region, the organization said.

Games involving Israeli teams have been held at neutral venues since the October, 7, 2023 Hamas massacre and the subsequent two-year war in Gaza.

Six-time champions Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv are the Israeli clubs in this season’s Euroleague, while Hapoel Jerusalem plays in the EuroCup.

“After thoughtful deliberation, ECA clubs agreed on the proposal to set December 1, 2025, as the date for games to resume in Israel. Until then, Euroleague Basketball will continue to carefully monitor developments, stay in close contact with local and foreign authorities, visiting teams, and all relevant organizations,” Euroleague Basketball said in a statement.

“Euroleague Basketball and its participating clubs welcome the recent peace plan with optimism and hope. The organization reaffirms its belief in the power of basketball to bring people and communities........

© The Times of Israel