Wednesday, June 1, 2026- Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar has been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), which said he died after Israeli forces opened fire in the Khan Younis area.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper played for Khadamat Khan Younis Club and was widely respected within Gaza's football community. His death has sparked renewed concern over the growing toll of the conflict on athletes and civilians.
The PFA said Al-Ashqar is among hundreds of Palestinian sports figures killed during the ongoing war, adding that more than 1,000 Palestinian athletes have lost their lives since the conflict escalated in October 2023.
Tributes have poured in from teammates, football clubs, and supporters, with many remembering him as a dedicated player and mentor. Reports also say he had married just five months ago and is survived by his pregnant wife.
Al-Ashqar's death highlights the continuing human cost of the war, which has affected communities far beyond the battlefield, including the sporting world. As international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows, calls are increasing for greater protection of civilians and accountability under international law.
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