Saleem Al-Ashqar, 32 years old, is a Palestinian goalkeeper who died Monday after getting shot by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) in Al-Qarara, northeast of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, WAFA reported.
The Palestinian news agency states that a player for Khan Yunis Services Club was shot by Israeli forces in Al-Qarara, northeast of Khan Younis, Gaza.
Ahram Online reports that, in addition to playing for the services of Khan Younis Services Club, he previously played for the Al-Aqsa and Al-Masdar teams in the Gaza Strip.
According to Ahram Online, the Palestinian Football Association stated that the goalkeeper married five months ago and was expecting his first baby with his wife. He was the only brother of seven sisters.
According to Al Jazeera, the Palestinian Football Association stated that over 1,000 Palestinian athletes have been killed since October 2023. AJ+ mentioned that Al-Ashqar is one of the 567 individuals in the football community killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023.
The statement of TRT World mentioned that the Chilean club, Deportivo Palestino, mourned the loss of the 32-year-old goalkeeper, stating that he was killed by the Israeli army, calling for justice and peace due to the repetition of such acts.
The death occurred during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. TRT World reported that there were banners and chants praising Palestinians in Gaza when Algeria was playing against Argentina in Kansas City, and Jordanians honored their Palestinian counterparts before their game against Argentina in Arlington, Texas.
Roya News reported that the Palestinians in Gaza suffer tough conditions after the tournament due to an electricity outage, displacement, and continuing battles despite watching matches in modern stadiums abroad.
The report also said that the funeral ceremony of the 32-year-old goalkeeper revealed the pain of the community for the victim, demanding acknowledgment of the humanitarian aspects of the war apart from football.
