Overview

• Former Palestine striker Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pelé,” was shot dead by Israeli forces on August 6 while queuing for aid, becoming the 662nd member of Gaza’s sporting community killed since the conflict began.
• UN Human Rights Office data indicate over 1,300 Palestinians have been killed at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid sites since late May during a worsening hunger crisis.
• The Palestine Football Association reports that 321 individuals linked to football—including players, coaches, referees and officials—have died and nearly 300 sporting venues in Gaza and the West Bank have been damaged or destroyed.
• UEFA’s tribute described al-Obeid as “a talent who gave hope” but did not mention he was killed by Israeli fire while seeking aid, prompting Salah to tweet: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”
• Global calls are intensifying for sports governing bodies to demand transparency and accountability over civilian deaths at humanitarian distribution points in Gaza.