Former Palestinian Footballer Killed in Gaza

Suleiman Obeid, a former player for the Palestinian national team, tragically died after being shot by Israeli forces in Gaza City, according to international reports released on Wednesday.

Reports indicate that the 40-year-old was awaiting humanitarian assistance when the attack occurred amidst ongoing military actions in the Gaza Strip.

The death of Obeid is considered a major loss for the country and its sporting community.

The Israeli assault on Gaza has now reached its 23rd month. Last month alone, casualties included 39 athletes, scouts, and youth leaders, bringing the total deaths in Palestine’s sports and youth sectors to over 660 since the conflict began.

Obeid’s Career

Obeid had a successful career in Palestinian football. He started with Shabab Al-Shati, his local team, before transferring to Al-Amari Club in the West Bank Premier League.

On the international stage, he made a mark by scoring his first goal for Palestine against Yemen during the 2010 West Asian Football Federation Championship.

He also played for his country in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers and the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

His death has incited anger and calls for greater international attention to the continuous targeting of civilians and athletes in Gaza. The loss of Suleiman Obeid is a tragedy for Palestinian football and highlights the terrible human cost of the current conflict.

Separately, the German football club Fortuna Düsseldorf recently decided against signing Israeli international Shon Weissman after fans protested his prior social media posts in support of Israeli military activities in Gaza.