Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Basketball Player Amid Gaza Conflict
Israeli forces shot and killed Palestinian national basketball player Mohammed Shaalan in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, while he sought food and medicine for his family, reports 24brussels.
Known as “the Earthquake,” Shaalan was targeted on Tuesday as he searched for supplies for his children, including his daughter Maryam, who suffers from severe blood poisoning and kidney failure. His death underscores the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on Gaza’s sports community.
In the past 24 hours, two additional sports figures also fell victim to the violence: 26-year-old Salem Shaer, the equipment manager for Shabab Rafah Club, and 40-year-old Ahmad Jourani, a former player with Al-Salah Club, both of whom were shot by Israeli forces while waiting for aid near the Netzarim corridor.
Palestinian officials report that since the escalation of Israel’s assault on Gaza in October 2023, the sports sector has experienced catastrophic losses, with at least 808 athletes killed, including 421 football players. Furthermore, 288 sports facilities across Gaza and the West Bank have been damaged or destroyed, affecting gyms, football clubs, and stadiums. Notably, the headquarters of the Palestinian Football Association was also targeted, leading to the destruction of 268 facilities in Gaza and 20 in the West Bank.
The wider toll of Israel’s offensive has resulted in nearly 62,122 Palestinian deaths and 156,758 injuries, most of whom are women and children. Additionally, starvation due to the blockade has led to 266 casualties, including 122 children.
The killing of Shaalan and the ongoing loss of other athletes signify the severe casualties faced by Gaza’s sporting community, which continues to endure significant losses in personnel and infrastructure amid enduring military actions by Israel.
