Death toll of athletes killed by Israel crosses 1,000 with killing of Palestinian goalkeeper

Saleem Khader Al-Ashqar, a 32-year-old goalkeeper for Khan Yunis Services Club, was killed on Monday after being shot by Israeli forces in Al-Qarara, located northeast of Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip, the WAFA news agency reported.

Al-Ashqar represented Khan Yunis Services Club and had also played for Al-Aqsa and Al-Musaddar Sports Clubs during his football career in Gaza, Maktoob Media reported.

Local sources said Al-Ashqar had been married for five months and was expecting the birth of his first child. He was the only son in a family of seven siblings.

With his death, the number of members of the Palestinian sports community killed since the beginning of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023 has reached 1,009, including 567 people associated with Palestinian football, WAFA reported.