Palestinian footballer killed in Israeli airstrike

A Palestinian footballer has been killed in an Israeli airstrike on the besieged Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) confirmed, as ongoing attacks by Israeli forces claimed the lives of over 300 people in just 48 hours.

The player, Muhannad Al-Lili, was struck during a drone attack on Monday night at Al-Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza. 

According to the PFA, a missile hit the third-floor bedroom of his residence, causing critical head injuries. Despite efforts to save him, Muhannad succumbed to his injuries after nearly a day of struggle.

Al-Lili had been awaiting a safe opportunity to reunite with his wife and new-born child in Norway. His wife had left Gaza before the current round of Israeli aggression began and recently gave birth. 

Tragically, Muhannad never got the chance to meet his child.

According to a report by Middle East Eye, Muhannad was actively seeking safe passage out of Gaza to be with his family, a reunion that now will never happen.

With Muhannad's death, the number of Palestinian footballers killed in Israeli attacks has reached 265. 

PFA stated via its official X (formerly Twitter) account that since October 7, 2023, at least 585 athletes from various sports have died due to Israeli strikes, with footballers making up nearly half of that toll.

SH