Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar was killed in the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA). He was 32 years old.
As per multiple reports, Al-Ashqar had been married for just five months and is survived by his pregnant wife, who is expecting the couple's first child.
His death adds to the growing toll on the Palestinian sporting community since the conflict began in October 2023.
According to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), more than 1,000 Palestinian athletes and hundreds of coaches, referees, administrators, and other sports figures have lost their life since the start of the war.
The governing body has repeatedly raised concerns about the conflict's devastating impact on Palestinian sports, saying players, coaches, referees, and sports officials are among those who have lost their lives.
At a news conference in February 2026, Asaad Al-Majdalawi, the vice president of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, said 45 of the victims of the violence were women.
Photo by Zain JAAFAR / AFP via Getty Images
He had also reported damage to 265 sports facilities across the Gaza Strip, including 184 that were completely destroyed and 81 others that were partially damaged.
“This destruction has deprived thousands of young people and adolescents of their right to train and practice sports,” he had added.
Majdalawi said the impact extends beyond damaged infrastructure, describing it as “psychological and social.” He pointed to the trauma experienced by athletes, the disruption of professional careers, and the loss of income for families who rely on sports institutions.
Chilean club Deportivo Palestino also mourned the death of the 32-year-old goalkeeper.
Saleem Al-Ashqar's Goalkeeping Career
Al-Ashqar spent his football career playing for three clubs in the Gaza Strip. He represented Al-Aqsa Sports Club and Al-Masdar Sports Club before making his final appearance for Khadamat Khan Younis.
Like many local athletes, his playing career came to an abrupt end because of the ongoing conflict before his death in June 2026.
