Arabic version: مجتمع كرة القدم في غزة يكرم إرث حارس المرمى القتيل

Saleem Khader al-Ashqar, a 32-year-old Palestinian goalkeeper for Khadamat Khan Younis, was shot and killed by Israeli forces in al-Qarara while seeking cooking gas for his pregnant wife. His tragic death highlights the ongoing toll of the conflict, with approximately 1,009 athletes reported killed since the war began on October 7, 2023, according to Al Jazeera.

Al-Ashqar, who had recently celebrated his wedding on January 26, 2026, and was expecting his first child, was remembered as a devoted athlete with dreams of representing Palestine on an international stage. His uncle, Captain Farid Al-Ashqar, expressed sorrow over his nephew’s death, emphasizing that Saleem was more than just a statistic in the ongoing conflict.

Abdulghani al-Sheikh, president of Khadamat Khan Younis, described al-Ashqar’s killing as a devastating loss for the club and the wider sports community. He underscored the importance of al-Ashqar as a role model and a source of inspiration for young athletes in Gaza.

Despite the destruction of sports infrastructure in Gaza, the local football community remains resilient. The Palestinian Football Association continues to organize local tournaments, demonstrating a commitment to keeping the spirit of the game alive. Al-Sheikh pledged to honor al-Ashqar’s legacy by fostering the next generation of players, emphasizing the need to rebuild both physical and human resources in the aftermath of the conflict.