GAZA (Web Desk) – Palestinian footballer and goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar has been killed in Gaza during Israeli military fire, according to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) and international media reports.
The PFA said Al-Ashqar's death adds to the growing number of Palestinian athletes who have lost their lives since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.
According to foreign media reports, Al-Ashqar had married only five months ago, while his wife is expecting the couple's first child. His death has left his family, friends and the Palestinian sporting community in mourning.
The Palestinian Football Association expressed grief over the goalkeeper's death, describing him as one of many athletes whose lives have been cut short during the ongoing conflict.
The association said that more than 1,000 Palestinian athletes have been killed since the war began in October 2023. It added that the conflict has severely affected Palestinian sports, with footballers, coaches, referees and other sports professionals among those who have died.
According to the association, sports facilities and stadiums have also suffered extensive damage, disrupting domestic competitions, youth football programmes and training activities across Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has continued to deteriorate amid the prolonged conflict, with repeated reports of civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure. International organizations have repeatedly called for greater protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access to the territory.
The conflict has also had a profound impact on cultural and sporting life, with many clubs forced to suspend operations and athletes unable to continue training or participating in competitions.