Gaza footballer Suleiman Al Obaid has been killed by Israeli fire while waiting for humanitarian aid in Rafah.
The Palestinian Football Association said Al Obaid, 41, was queuing for food at an aid distribution centre in southern Gaza on Wednesday when he was fatally shot.
He was regarded as one of the most talented attacking midfielders to play in the Gaza Strip League and was nicknamed "Pele of Palestine", after the Brazilian footballer many regard as the greatest of all time.
Al Obaid made 19 appearances with the Palestine national team, playing in the Asian Cup, Pan Arab Games and Fifa World Cup qualifiers after making his debut against Iraq in the West Asia Championship in 2007.
He scored two goals in his international career: the first against Yemen in 2010 and the second in a friendly against Indonesia the following year. His last appearance for Palestine was against Qatar in 2013.
He also played for clubs such as Khidmat Al Shatia, Shabab Al Amari and Gaza Sport, in positions including centre forward, right winger and right midfielder.
Gaza aid queues have become death traps for starving Palestinians. An investigation by The National has revealed a pattern of "systematic killing of Palestinians by the Israeli army and private contractors while attempting to collect aid".
More than 1,300 Palestinians have been killed while waiting to receive aid, the UN says. At least 850 were in the vicinity of distribution sites run by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Nearly 800 Palestinian athletes and sports officials in Gaza and the occupied West Bank have been killed by Israel since October 2023, the Palestinian Football Association says.
Among the death toll were players and administrative staff from various sports, with the vast majority killed in Gaza, said Susan Shalabi, deputy head of the association. At least 437 of those killed were footballers, she added.
Roll of honour
Who has won what so far in the West Asia Premiership season?
Western Clubs Champions League - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons
West Asia Premiership - Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership Cup - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
West Asia Cup - Winners: Bahrain; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
West Asia Trophy - Winners: Dubai Hurricanes; Runners up: DSC Eagles
Final West Asia Premiership standings - 1. Jebel Ali Dragons; 2. Abu Dhabi Harlequins; 3. Bahrain; 4. Dubai Exiles; 5. Dubai Hurricanes; 6. DSC Eagles; 7. Abu Dhabi Saracens
Fixture (UAE Premiership final) - Friday, April 13, Al Ain – Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
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Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UAE%20v%20West%20Indies
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THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
