Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar 32, was killed earlier this week in the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces according to an official statement from the Palestinian Football Association (PFA).
The PFA reported that Al-Ashqar died from gunfire by Israeli troops. According to the association he is one of more than 1,000 Palestinian athletes who have lost their lives since the conflict escalated in October 2023.
The tragic news has sent shockwaves through the local and international sporting communities. Al-Ashqar who married just five months ago leaves behind a wife who is expecting their first child.
His death has prompted widespread mourning from relatives, former teammates and international football organizations. On Wednesday, the Chilean football club Deportivo Palestino released a statement expressing their grief: "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."
