BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 3. Members of Gaza's football community have pledged to preserve the legacy of Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Khader al-Ashqar, who was killed in southern Gaza, according to local reports.
Al-Ashqar, 32, left his home last Monday in search of cooking gas after his pregnant wife asked him to obtain supplies. According to the report, he was shot and killed by Israeli forces in the town of al-Qarara, northeast of Khan Younis, ending a career devoted to football and family.
The report says Al-Ashqar is among 567 Palestinians working in the football sector who have been killed since the war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023.
Family members said Al-Ashqar was the only son among six sisters. He had married on January 26, 2026, and was preparing to welcome his first child when he was killed.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military regarding the reported incident.
