Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar has reportedly been killed in the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA).
In a statement, the PFA said Al-Ashqar died after Israeli forces opened fire, describing him as one of hundreds of Palestinian sports figures who have lost their lives since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023.
The association further claimed that more than 1,000 Palestinian athletes have been killed during the ongoing conflict.
The 32-year-old footballer had married just five months ago, and his wife is currently pregnant with their first child, making news of his death particularly heartbreaking for his family and loved ones.
Tributes have continued to pour in from fellow footballers, clubs, family members, and supporters across the world following the announcement.
Among those paying tribute was Chilean football club Deportivo Palestino, which expressed sorrow over the goalkeeper’s death.
“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 in a statement.
As of the time of reporting, the Israeli military had not publicly commented on the specific incident.
