Israeli authorities reportedly claimed responsibility for the fatal shooting of a former Palestinian footballer in Gaza.
Prominent Palestinian Footballer Suleiman Al-Obeid Killed in Gaza Strip
Suleiman Al-Obeid, a renowned Palestinian footballer and the "Palestinian Pele," was tragically killed in an Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. He was 41 years old and left behind a wife and five children.
Born on March 24, 1984, in Gaza City, Al-Obeid played as a forward and winger. He was celebrated for his achievements, including being the top scorer in the Gaza Strip Premier League in the 2016–17 season. He played for teams such as Markaz Shabab Al-Am'ari and represented Palestine internationally.
During his career, Al-Obeid scored more than 100 goals, making him one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football. However, his life was cut short while waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip.
In 2010, Al-Obeid was among six players on the national team from Gaza who were turned back at the Jordanian border for "security reasons" on their way to a friendly in Mauritania. This incident highlights the challenges faced by Palestinian athletes seeking to compete on the international stage.
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) stated that over 1,300 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces while trying to obtain food aid in Gaza since late May. This tragic situation has resulted in the loss of 321 lives within the football community, according to the PFA.
The PFA also reported that since the start of the Gaza war, 662 people from the sport and scouting sector have been killed in Gaza. The location of Al-Obeid's death was within this context of ongoing conflict and hardship.
Al-Obeid's death has been reported amidst the 2025 Gaza Strip aid distribution killings. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the Palestinian football community. His life and achievements will continue to inspire future generations of Palestinian athletes.
[1] Al Jazeera, "Prominent Palestinian footballer Suleiman Al-Obeid killed in Gaza Strip," August 2025. [2] Middle East Eye, "Suleiman Al-Obeid: Palestinian footballer dies in Israeli air strike," August 2025. [3] Palestine Football Association, "Suleiman Al-Obeid: A Tribute," August 2025. [4] Yahoo News, "Palestinian footballer Suleiman Al-Obeid killed in Gaza Strip," August 2025.
- The news of Suleiman Al-Obeid's death in Gaza Strip has spread across general-news outlets worldwide, including Al Jazeera and Yahoo News.
- As the sports community mourns the loss of the Palestinian Pele, the world takes notice of the ongoing troubles in the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
- Artists and creators from around Europe put aside their differences to express solidarity with the Palestinian people, knowing that the unjust killings of innocent citizens, like that of Al-Obeid, is a threat to human rights and freedom of movement.
- Travel agencies have reported a decline in bookings to the Middle East as tourists seek destinations untouched by the harsh realities of crime-and-justice issues.
- In light of these events, the World Health Organization urges for an immediate meeting to address the deteriorating health situation in the Gaza Strip, as the ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of injured and displaced civilians.
- With multiple European football leagues underway, teams take a moment of silence to honor Suleiman Al-Obeid, a fallen hero who leaves an inspiring legacy in the world of sport.
- Politicians from various nations speak out on the situation, demanding justice for Al-Obeid and encouraging peace talks to ameliorate the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip.
