The Palestinian sports community has pledged to preserve the legacy of goalkeeper Saleem Khader al-Ashqar, who was killed by Israeli forces while searching for a cooking gas cylinder for his pregnant wife in southern Gaza.
Al-Ashqar, 32, was shot in the town of al-Qarara, northeast of Khan Younis, ending a career devoted to football and his family. He had recently married and was expecting his first child.
According to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), al-Ashqar is among 567 football-related fatalities and more than 1,000 members of the Palestinian sports community killed since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.
Family members described him as a passionate goalkeeper whose lifelong dream was to represent Palestine at the international level. During his career, he played for several local clubs, including Al-Aqsa, Shabab Khan Younis, Al-Masdar and Khadamat Khan Younis.
His uncle, Farid Al-Ashqar, said the goalkeeper cared more about representing his homeland than earning money, recalling that he always prioritised playing for Palestine over financial rewards.
The Palestinian sporting community says it will continue to honour his memory and the sacrifices of athletes affected by the ongoing conflict.
