Saleem Al Ashgar Reportedly Killed in Southern Gaza – Palestinian Football Mourns Goalkeeper’s Death

The Palestinian football community is mourning the reported death of goalkeeper Saleem Al Ashgar, also spelled Salim Al-Ashqar, who was killed in southern Gaza earlier this week, according to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA). The 32-year-old goalkeeper, who represented Khadamat Khan Younis and previously played for several clubs in the Gaza Strip, has become one of the latest sporting figures reported killed amid the ongoing conflict.

In a statement issued by the PFA, the association said Al-Ashqar was killed after coming under fire in the town of Al-Qarara, northeast of Khan Younis, in southern Gaza. The organization described him as a dedicated athlete whose commitment to football had earned him respect throughout the Palestinian sporting community. The PFA added that his death represents another devastating loss for Palestinian sports, noting that hundreds of sports professionals and more than 1,000 athletes have reportedly been killed since the conflict escalated in October 2023.

According to local reports cited by the PFA, Al-Ashqar had celebrated his marriage only five months before his death. His wife is reportedly expecting their first child, making the tragedy especially heartbreaking for his family and loved ones. Local sources also noted that he was the only brother among seven sisters, a detail widely shared in tributes highlighting the profound personal loss experienced by his family.

Throughout his football career, Al-Ashqar was recognized as a dependable goalkeeper in the Gaza Strip’s domestic leagues. Besides representing Khadamat Khan Younis, he also played for Al-Aqsa and Al-Masdar, earning a reputation for his dedication despite the difficult circumstances facing athletes in Gaza. Football remained an important part of his life even as conflict repeatedly disrupted sporting activities across the territory.

Tributes have poured in from across the football world following news of his reported death. Among the clubs expressing condolences was the Chilean football club Deportivo Palestino, which issued a public statement mourning the goalkeeper and extending sympathy to his family. The club called for justice and peace while remembering Al-Ashqar as another victim of the ongoing violence affecting civilians and athletes alike.

The reported death of Saleem Al-Ashqar has once again drawn international attention to the devastating impact of the war on Gaza’s sporting community. Football stadiums, training facilities, and athletes have all been affected by the prolonged conflict, with sporting organizations continuing to document the human toll on players, coaches, referees, and administrators. The Palestinian Football Association has repeatedly appealed to international sporting bodies to recognize the losses suffered by Palestinian athletes and to support efforts aimed at protecting sports and civilian life during the conflict.

As tributes continue to emerge, Saleem Al-Ashqar is being remembered not only for his performances between the goalposts but also for the family he leaves behind and the promise of a future cut tragically short. His reported death has become another poignant symbol of the broader humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict, with teammates, supporters, and football organizations honoring his memory while expressing hope for an end to the violence.