Suleiman al-Obeid, a former star of the Palestinian national football team, was killed on Wednesday in an Israeli attack while waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza, according to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA). The 41-year-old, known as the “Palestinian Pelé” for his skillful play, was among a crowd of civilians at an aid distribution site when the incident occurred.
Al-Obeid’s death has drawn international attention and condemnation, with Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah publicly questioning a tribute from UEFA on social media. Salah challenged the organization to provide details on “how he died, where, and why,” highlighting the circumstances of his passing. The PFA stated that al-Obeid’s death brings the number of Palestinian athletes and their family members killed since the conflict began to 662.
Throughout his career, al-Obeid scored over 100 goals for various clubs, including Gaza’s Khadamat al-Shati and Markaz Shabab al-Am’ari in the West Bank. He earned 24 caps for the national team, scoring two memorable goals. Al-Obeid, who retired in 2023 with plans to become a coach, is survived by his wife and five children. His widow, Doaa, told a news outlet that he had continued to play football with friends even during the war, but had feared for his life while going to aid distribution centers to feed their children.
The PFA reports that al-Obeid is one of 421 footballers, including 103 children, to have been killed since the conflict began. The association also states that over 288 sports facilities have been destroyed across Gaza and the West Bank, with the vast majority in Gaza. The UN rights office noted last month that more than 1,300 Palestinians have been killed while attempting to get food aid since late May.