Palestinian Football Association Says Goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar Killed in Gaza as World Cup Fans Show Solidarity

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has announced the death of Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar, saying he was killed earlier this week in Gaza during the ongoing conflict. The association stated that Al-Ashqar died after Israeli forces opened fire, although the Israeli military had not publicly commented on the specific incident at the time of reporting.

In a statement released through its official channels, the PFA expressed condolences over the goalkeeper's death, describing it as another loss for Palestinian sport amid the continuing war in Gaza. The association said Al-Ashqar was among numerous members of the country's sporting community who have lost their lives since the conflict escalated in October 2023.
 

According to the PFA, hundreds of individuals connected to Palestinian sports, including athletes, coaches, and officials, have been killed during the conflict. The association reiterated its calls for greater protection of athletes and sporting institutions affected by the war.
 

Al-Ashqar, who was 32 years old, had reportedly married five months ago. According to the association, his wife is expecting the couple's first child. News of his death prompted tributes from family members, teammates, football supporters, and sports organizations.
 

Among those paying tribute was Chilean football club Deportivo Palestino, which expressed sorrow over the goalkeeper's death and called for justice and peace. The club has long maintained historical and cultural ties with the Palestinian community and has frequently spoken out on humanitarian issues affecting Palestinians.

The announcement comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to draw international attention. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties, widespread displacement, and extensive damage to homes, healthcare facilities, schools, and public infrastructure. International organizations have repeatedly called for greater protection of civilians and increased humanitarian access.

The war has also increasingly intersected with global sporting events. During the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, supporters from several participating nations have displayed Palestinian flags, worn traditional black-and-white keffiyehs, and chanted messages expressing solidarity with Palestinians during matches held across host venues.

Fans attending fixtures involving countries including Algeria and Jordan were among those who publicly expressed support for Palestinians, with displays taking place inside and around stadiums. Such demonstrations have reflected the broader international attention the conflict has received beyond the political arena.

International football has witnessed similar expressions of solidarity in recent years, with players, clubs, and supporters using matches and tournaments to raise awareness of humanitarian crises around the world. While sporting authorities generally prohibit political messaging on the field of play, supporters have continued to use banners, clothing, and flags to express personal views during major competitions.
 

The death of Al-Ashqar has once again highlighted the impact of armed conflict on athletes and sporting communities. Sports organizations have noted that wars often disrupt athletic careers, damage sporting infrastructure, and deprive young athletes of opportunities for training and competition.
 

As the conflict continues, humanitarian agencies and international leaders have repeatedly called for measures to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and work toward a sustainable resolution. Meanwhile, tributes to Saleem Al-Ashqar continue to emerge from football communities around the world, with many remembering him not only as a goalkeeper but also as a member of a sporting generation whose lives have been profoundly affected by the ongoing conflict.