Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar was killed earlier this week in the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Football Association, which said he died after Israeli forces opened fire.
In a statement, the PFA said Al-Ashqar was among the many figures from Palestine’s sporting community killed since the war in Gaza began in October 2023. It added that more than 1,000 Palestinian athletes have been killed during the conflict.
Al-Ashqar’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief from relatives, teammates, and members of the wider sporting community.
The association said the 32-year-old goalkeeper had been married just five months ago and that his wife is expecting their first child.
Messages of condolence also came from abroad following news of his death. Chilean club Deportivo Palestino said it was deeply saddened by the killing and called for justice and peace.
Al-Ashqar’s death adds to the growing toll the war has taken on Palestinian sport, with players, coaches, and other sporting figures among those reported killed since the conflict began.
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