Palestinian football icon Suleiman al-Obeid, celebrated as the “Pele of Palestinian football,” has been killed in an Israeli airstrike while waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) confirmed on Thursday. The 41-year-old former forward, who scored more than 100 goals in his career and represented Palestine in 24 international matches with two goals to his name, was widely admired for his skill, leadership, and ability to inspire hope amid hardship.
In a tribute posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, UEFA wrote: “Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pele’. A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.” However, the message prompted Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah to respond on Saturday, asking pointedly: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” Salah, 33, has consistently used his platform to advocate for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza, previously urging world leaders to “come together to prevent further slaughter of innocent souls” in the ongoing conflict.
The PFA said Obeid was among many Palestinians waiting for food and supplies when the attack took place. His death comes amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel’s military offensive has continued for more than ten months following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023, which left about 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. In response, Israeli military operations have killed over 61,300 people in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
The situation on the ground remains dire, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting at least 38 more Palestinian deaths and 491 injuries in the past 24 hours alone due to Israeli military activity. The UN has also reported that since late May, 1,373 Palestinians have been killed while seeking food at aid distribution points set up by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Obeid’s passing has sparked both mourning and renewed calls for accountability. For many Palestinians, he was more than an athlete he was a symbol of resilience, unity, and pride, whose career offered moments of joy in the midst of decades of conflict. His death is yet another reminder of the heavy toll the ongoing war has taken on civilians, including those who dedicated their lives to uplifting their communities through sport.
Leave a comment