Palestine Football Federation: 673 Athletes Killed in Israeli Attacks on Gaza

Kokcha News Agency: The Palestine Football Federation has released a statement revealing that 673 athletes from different sports have lost their lives in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7, 2023. Among the victims, 324 were footballers, along with dozens of coaches, managers, referees, and club board members.

The Israeli military has also destroyed 264 sports facilities during this period, leaving the sports infrastructure in Gaza in ruins.

Among the well-known figures killed are Mohammad Shalan, a former national basketball player who was targeted while trying to receive food aid, and Suleiman Al-Abid, known as the “Pelé of Palestine,” who scored over 100 national and club goals. Al-Abid’s death was even mourned by UEFA.

In recent months, other athletes, including wrestler Ala Rafiq, footballer Madhoun from Nasrallah Al-Maqataa, Muath Alaa Al-Hawajri, Mustafa Shaheen, Rashid Al-Nims, goalkeeper Sadiq Al-Arouqi, and several others, were also killed in Israeli bombings, along with their families.