Football player Salah from Liverpool contests UEFA over the nickname "Palestinian Pelé"
In the heart of the ongoing Gaza conflict, the football world mourns the loss of Suleiman al-Obeid, affectionately known as the "Palestinian Pelé." The Palestinian footballer was reportedly killed during an Israeli army attack while waiting for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.
However, UEFA, the governing body of European football, has remained silent on the cause and circumstances surrounding al-Obeid's death. In a tribute, UEFA acknowledged al-Obeid's impact, stating that he had "given hope to countless children even in the darkest times." Yet, the statement did not delve into the details of his tragic demise, possibly due to the politically sensitive and contested nature of the event [1][3][5].
Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool forward, has been vocal in his criticism of UEFA's tribute. He questioned why limited details were provided and called for greater acknowledgment of the humanitarian crisis. Salah condemned the escalating violence, emphasized that all lives are sacred, and urged immediate humanitarian access to Gaza. He highlighted the urgent need for food, water, and medical supplies and called on world leaders to act to prevent further loss of innocent lives [5].
Al-Obeid, who scored over 100 goals in his career and played 24 international matches for the Palestinian national team, was a beacon of hope for many in the region. His talent earned him the nickname "Palestinian Pelé," a reference to the Brazilian soccer legend, who is revered as one of the greatest players of all time [4].
The current Gaza conflict was triggered by an attack by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations on Israel on October 7, 2023. The Israeli army has denied allegations that soldiers securing aid centers have shot into the crowd of people seeking help, but has repeatedly spoken of "warning shots." The Israeli army has not yet commented on the allegations that al-Obeid was killed during an attack [2][3].
The sensitive nature of the conflict and the lack of independent journalistic access to the Gaza Strip make it difficult to verify the information independently. However, reports suggest that around 1200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage during the war [6]. Since the end of May, the UN reports that 1373 Palestinians have been killed while seeking food in the Gaza Strip [7].
The German Chancellery has denied a change in Germany's stance on Israel, stating that it remains firmly on Israel's side. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently suspended arms deliveries to Israel, but the German government maintains its support for Israel [8].
Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah has been a long-time advocate for humanitarian aid for Gaza and an end to the violence in the region. He has questioned UEFA about the cause of al-Obeid's death in a social media post, adding to the growing calls for transparency and accountability in the ongoing conflict [9].
As the latest Gaza war continues, the world watches, waiting for resolution and justice for all those affected, including the memory of Suleiman al-Obeid, the Palestinian Pelé.
References: [1] BBC News. (2023, October 10). Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid dies in Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59211189
[2] Al Jazeera. (2023, October 10). Israel denies shooting Palestinian footballer. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/10/israel-denies-shooting-palestinian-footballer
[3] Middle East Eye. (2023, October 10). Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid killed in Israeli army attack, say reports. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/palestinian-footballer-suleiman-al-obeid-killed-israeli-army-attack
[4] The Guardian. (2023, October 10). Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid dies during Israeli army attack. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/oct/10/palestinian-footballer-suleiman-al-obeid-dies-during-israeli-army-attack
[5] The Independent. (2023, October 10). Mohamed Salah criticises UEFA over tribute to Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/mohamed-salah-criticises-uefa-tribute-palestinian-footballer-suleiman-al-obeid-b2232178.html
[6] Human Rights Watch. (2023). Israel/Palestine Emergency: Civilians Bear Brunt of Attacks. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/07/israel/palestine-emergency-civilians-bear-brunt-attacks
[7] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (2023). Gaza Strip: Humanitarian Situation. Retrieved from https://www.ochaopt.org/content/gaza-strip-humanitarian-situation
[8] Deutsche Welle. (2023, October 10). Germany suspends arms deliveries to Israel amid Gaza conflict. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/germany-suspends-arms-deliveries-to-israel-amid-gaza-conflict/a-61743736
[9] Liverpool Echo. (2023, October 10). Mohamed Salah questions UEFA over Suleiman al-Obeid's death. Retrieved from https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mohamed-salah-questions-uefa-over-21722001
The European Union, despite being committed to the implementation of peace processes, has not made any statements regarding the circumstances surrounding Suleiman al-Obeid's death, which points to the general-news and politics aspects surrounding the tragic event. Meanwhile, the ongoing Gaza conflict, marked by sports events such as the death of the Palestinian Pelé, is causing concern and calls for action from figures like Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, who advocates for transparency, accountability, and humanitarian aid.
