Doha

Numerous attempts to resolve the enduring Israel-Palestine conflict have fallen flat over the last few decades. Now FIFA, the football governing body, has stepped in and is trying to use football's unifying power and this month's World Cup in Qatar as a platform to improve relations between the two neighbours.

FIFA has announced on Thursday that Israelis and Palestinians will fly together on joint charter flights from Israel to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup, marking the first direct flights from Tel Aviv to Doha in history.

Israel and Qatar do not have diplomatic relations, but Israel did announce earlier this year that Israeli citizens would be able to enter Qatar for the World Cup.

"We are delighted that an agreement has been reached for Israeli and Palestinian fans to visit Qatar and attend matches during the FIFA World Cup. With this deal, Israelis and Palestinians will be able to fly together and enjoy football together," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.

The football showpiece event takes place from November 20 to December 18 and is the first one to be held in the Middle East and in the Arab world.

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Direct charter flights will be temporarily operated between Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and Hamad International Airport in Doha by an airline with existing landing rights in Qatar for the duration of the FIFA World Cup.