A footballer generally known as the “Palestinian Pelé” has been killed in an Israeli assault in southern Gaza, in accordance with the Palestine Soccer Affiliation (PFA).
Suleiman al-Obeid was killed on Wednesday when Israeli forces attacked civilians ready for humanitarian help, the PFA mentioned.
‘‘Throughout his lengthy profession, al-Obeid, 41, scored greater than 100 objectives, making him one of many brightest stars of Palestinian soccer,” it mentioned.
Born in Gaza on 24 March 1984, Obeid started his footballing profession with Khadamat al-Shati, later enjoying for Markaz Shabab al-Am’ari within the occupied West Financial institution, and Gaza Sport. A fixture within the Palestinian nationwide aspect after his debut in 2007, Obeid gained 24 caps and scored twice, the PFA mentioned, most memorably with a scissor-kick towards Yemen in the course of the 2010 West Asian Soccer Federation championship.
His expertise on the pitch earned him the nickname of “the Palestinian Pelé” – a nod to the legendary Brazilian extensively hailed as one of many best gamers of all time.
His demise provides to a rising toll of athletes misplaced in Gaza for the reason that conflict started, with at the very least 662 sportspeople and their relations reported to have been killed.
“The variety of footballers killed or who died from hunger has reached 421, together with 103 youngsters,” the PFA mentioned.
Obeid is survived by his spouse and 5 youngsters.
Based on the PFA, 288 sports activities services have been broken or lowered to rubble throughout Gaza and the West Financial institution, from stadiums and coaching grounds to gyms and clubhouses. The overwhelming majority, 268, have been in Gaza, whereas 20 have been within the West Financial institution, with about half serving soccer straight.
Among the many websites hit was the PFA’s headquarters in Gaza, struck throughout an Israeli air raid.
Greater than 1,300 Palestinians are reported to have been killed within the neighborhood of help distribution factors managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Basis for the reason that US- and Israeli-backed logistic group’s launch in late Might.
