UEFA's homage to the 'Palestinian Pele' draws Salah's opposition
In the midst of the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict in Gaza, a tragic incident has shaken the world of football. Suleiman Al-Obeid, affectionately known as the "Palestinian Pele," is reported to have been killed by an Israeli strike while waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip.
Al-Obeid, a man who dedicated his life to giving hope and opportunities to the children of Gaza, was a beacon of resilience and determination. The Palestine Football Association described him as a person who, despite the suffering, gave their dreams a chance to blossom through his tireless efforts.
The news of Al-Obeid's death has sparked an outcry, with Mohamed Salah, Liverpool forward and one of the Premier League's biggest stars, criticising UEFA for not referencing the circumstances surrounding his death. Salah, who has previously advocated for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza, has asked UEFA to explain how, where, and why Al-Obeid died.
UEFA, in a statement, called Al-Obeid a talent who gave hope to countless children, but did not mention the circumstances of his death. However, in a statement posted on Facebook, the Palestine Football Association attributed to UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, described Al-Obeid as proof of the joy that can flourish in people despite hardship. The statement also expressed the great loss felt by the football community and everyone who recognises the power of sport to unite people.
The Israeli-Hamas conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. The war has caused widespread destruction and displacement, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The United Nations reports that more than 1,000 people have been killed near aid distribution sites and aid convoys in Gaza since the launch of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in late May.
Israel's subsequent air and ground campaign has leveled entire neighborhoods in Gaza, displacing most of the population of 2.3 million, and pushing the enclave to the brink of famine, according to the United Nations. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US and Israel-backed aid distribution system, is involved in providing aid and support to the people of Gaza during the conflict.
UEFA was not immediately available to comment on Salah's criticism. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson stated they have no record of any incident involving Al-Obeid and requested more details for further investigation.
As the conflict continues, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution and a return to normality for the people of Gaza. The loss of Suleiman Al-Obeid serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of peace and understanding.
- The tragic demise of Suleiman Al-Obeid, a prominent figure in the world of football and the Palestine Football Association, has sparked a political controversy, as Mohamed Salah, a Premier League star, has criticized UEFA for not addressing the circumstances surrounding his death, which took place in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
- Beyond the realm of sports, Al-Obeid was a symbol of hope and resilience for the children of Gaza, spending his life providing opportunities and fostering dreams in the midst of war-and-conflicts and political instability.
- As the European leagues, including the Premier League, continue to watch the unfolding events in Gaza, the loss of Suleiman Al-Obeid serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, underscoring the importance of peace and understanding in general-news, not just on the football field.
