Israeli authorities reportedly kill soccer star known as 'Palestinian Pelé' in Gaza Strip.
Tragedy in Gaza: The Death of Suleiman al-Obeid, the "Palestinian Pele"
In the midst of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Suleiman al-Obeid, a celebrated Palestinian footballer and national hero, was tragically killed on August 6, 2025. Known as the "Palestinian Pele," al-Obeid was gunned down by Israeli forces while waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza[1][2][3].
Background and Career
Al-Obeid, a retired footballer from Gaza City, had an illustrious career spanning from 2007 until his retirement in 2023[1][2]. He captained the Palestinian national team and played for clubs including Khadamat Al-Shatea and Markaz Shabab al-Am’ari. During his long career, he scored more than 100 goals, making him one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football[4].
The Fatal Incident
Al-Obeid's death occurred during a humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza, where civilians gathered for supplies amid intense Israeli military operations[1][2]. The fatal shooting took place while he was waiting for aid, highlighting the tragic vulnerability of civilians under bombardment[1][3]. This incident is part of wider violence in Gaza during the 2025 Israeli invasion, associated with multiple civilian casualties during aid efforts[2].
International Response
Al-Obeid’s death provoked strong reactions on social media, given his significant following (nearly 19.5 million on X, formerly Twitter)[1]. Criticism has been leveled at organizations like UEFA for inadequate recognition or response to his death and the broader suffering in Palestine[1][4]. Prominent figures such as football star Mo Salah publicly condemned UEFA's tribute to al-Obeid as insufficient, demanding greater acknowledgment of Palestinian suffering[4].
The Humanitarian Crisis
The tragedy in Gaza is not confined to the football community. Hunger-related deaths are rising in Gaza, and around 12,000 children aged under five are suffering from acute malnutrition[5]. Gaza is currently in the throes of a hunger crisis caused by Israel's severe restrictions on the amount of humanitarian aid it allows into the besieged territory[6].
According to the territory's health ministry, Israel's offensive has killed at least 61,258 people in Gaza[7]. The death toll from the 2023 attack on Israel is 1,219, according to an AFP tally based on official figures[8]. Al-Obeid is mourned not only as a national sports hero, but also as a symbol of the broader human cost of the conflict in Gaza[1]. He leaves behind a wife and five children, with plans for a coaching career tragically cut short by his untimely death[1].
Football Community Losses
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) reported that 662 people from the sport and scouting sector have been killed since the start of the Gaza war, with 321 of these deaths coming from the football community[9]. Suleiman al-Obeid was among six players on the national team from Gaza who were turned back at the Jordanian border for "security reasons" in 2010[10].
References:
- The Guardian
- BBC News
- Al Jazeera
- The Independent
- UNICEF
- Amnesty International
- Ma'an News Agency
- AFP
- PFA
- ESPN
- Despite his tragic demise at the hands of Israeli forces, Suleiman al-Obeid's contributions to Palestinian football continue to resonate within the sports community, leaving a profound void that will be difficult to fill.
- In the face of the ongoing conflict, maintaining the health and well-being of Palestinian civilians, including those involved in sports like football, has become an increasingly challenging endeavor.
