Palestinian Football Legend Suleiman Al-Obeid Killed In Israeli Attack While Waiting For Aid In Gaza

Palestinian football legend Suleiman al-Obeid has been killed in an Israeli attack while waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza.

The 41-year-old was reportedly among a crowd near an aid distribution point when Israeli forces opened fire, killing at least 18 people. The incident comes as famine and humanitarian collapse deepen under Israel’s siege.

Nicknamed the “Pele of Palestinian football,” al-Obeid was celebrated for his pace and technical skills. He played 24 international matches for Palestine and scored over 100 career goals for clubs in Gaza and the West Bank, cementing his status as one of the nation’s all-time greats.

The Palestinian Football Association, mourning his death, stated:
“Former national team player and star of the Khadamat al-Shate’ team, Suleiman al-Obeid, was martyred after the [Israeli] occupation forces targeted those waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday.”

Al-Obeid is survived by his wife and five children. His death brings the number of athletes and their family members killed in Gaza since October 2023 to 662, with football alone losing 321 players, coaches, referees, administrators, and club officials.