Israeli forces kill Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar in Gaza

Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar was killed earlier this week in Gaza by the Israeli army, according to a statement by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA).

The PFA said Al-Ashqar was killed by fire opened by occupation forces. It said he was one of hundreds of Palestinian sporting figures killed, including more than 1,000 Palestinian athletes, since the genocide began in October 2023.

Al-Ashqar was married five months ago, and his wife is expecting the couple's first child.

An outpouring of grief from relatives, teammates, and the wider Palestinian sporting and world community has occurred since his death.

"We deeply mourn the tragic death of 32-year-old Palestinian goalkeeper Salim Al-Ashqar. He was killed by the Israeli army. We are deeply saddened by the continuation of such events. We call for justice and peace," Chilean football club Deportivo Palestino said Wednesday.

Solidarity on show at 2026 World Cup

Fans from Algeria to Bosnia are making sure the Palestinian cause gets attention during the World Cup.

Flags and chants honouring Palestinians in Gaza rang out in Kansas City as Algeria faced Argentina.

Jordanian fans also paid homage to their "Palestinian brothers and sisters" ahead of the Argentina matchup in Arlington, Texas.

Many people in the crowd wore black-and-white-checked keffiyehs, a symbol of Palestinian roots.

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Source: TRT