By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has announced the death of Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar following an incident involving Israeli forces in Gaza earlier this week.
In a statement, the association said Al-Ashqar died after “fire opened by occupation forces.”
The PFA described the late footballer as one of many Palestinian sports figures who have lost their lives since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.
According to the association, more than 1,000 Palestinian athletes have been killed during the conflict.
Reports said Al-Ashqar got married five months ago, while his wife is currently expecting their first child.
His death has drawn reactions from relatives, teammates and members of the international sporting community, many of whom expressed sadness over the development.
Chilean football club Deportivo Palestino also reacted to the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday.
“We deeply mourn the tragic death of 32-year-old Palestinian goalkeeper Salim Al-Ashqar. He was killed by the Israeli army. We are deeply saddened by the continuation of such events. We call for justice and peace,” the club said.
