Palestinian Ex-Footballer Killed by Israeli Forces in Gaza

Suleiman al-Obeid, a former Palestinian national football team player widely known as the “Palestinian Pelé”, has been killed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA).

The 41-year-old was reportedly shot dead on Wednesday while Israeli troops were said to be targeting civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza, as stated by the PFA.

“During his long career, Al-Obeid scored more than 100 goals, making him one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football.”
— Palestinian Football Association

Timeline of Events in Suleiman Al-Obeid’s Career and Life:

Career Highlights:

• Club Career: Starred for Khadamat Al-Shati club in Gaza
• West Bank Career: Played for Al-Amari Youth Centre Club, based in the Israeli-occupied West Bank
• International Caps: Represented Palestine in 24 international fixtures
• Goals Scored: Netted over 100 goals in his professional career
• Nickname: Revered as the “Palestinian Pelé” for his skill and contribution to football in the region

Travel Restrictions & National Team Blockade

In 2010, Obeid was among six Gaza-based players barred from crossing the Jordanian border while en route to an international friendly in Mauritania. Israeli authorities cited failure to renew “special permits” as the reason.

“We want to be able to travel freely with our families, just like athletes anywhere else in the world.”
— Suleiman al-Obeid to AFP, 2010

Personal Life:

• Family: Married, father of five children
• Origin: Born and raised in Gaza City

Broader Context:

Since late May, the UN Human Rights Office reports that over 1,300 Palestinians have been killed while attempting to obtain humanitarian aid in Gaza. Obeid’s death adds to that toll.

According to the Palestinian Football Association:

• Total Deaths (Sport & Scouting Sector): 662
• Deaths in Football Community: 321

The current Gaza conflict, which erupted after Hamas’s October 2023 attacks on Israel, has resulted in at least 61,258 Palestinian deaths, per the Gaza Health Ministry (run by Hamas).

By comparison, Israel’s official figures — reported by AFP — indicate that 1,219 Israelis were killed during the October attack.