A former Palestinian national team player and standout for Gaza’s Al-Shati’a Services Club was killed by Israeli forces on Wednesday while waiting to receive humanitarian aid, the Palestinian Football Association has confirmed.
The athlete, whose name has not yet been publicly released by the association, was among civilians gathered for relief distribution when the attack occurred. His death adds to the growing toll of Palestinian sports figures lost during the ongoing conflict.
The Palestinian Football Association condemned the killing, calling it part of a systematic targeting of athletes and civilians, and urged international sporting bodies to hold Israel accountable for violations of human rights and the sanctity of sport.