A beloved soccer star was preparing to become a father. Then he was shot.
The death of 32-year-old goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar in Gaza has sparked global outrage and new demands for sports bans.
Sports are supposed to be a safe place where dreams come alive. For one young family in Gaza, that dream ended in a flash of gunfire.
WHAT HAPPENED
Israeli forces shot and killed 32-year-old Saleem Al-Ashqar near the city of Khan Younis. He was a well-known goalkeeper. The Palestinian Football Association shared the news of his death.
Al-Ashqar recently got married. His wife is currently pregnant with their first child. He is one of many sports figures who have died in the conflict.
The news spread quickly online, getting over 3.5 million views. Many people are calling on international sports groups to take action.
FACT BOX
*Name: Saleem Al-Ashqar
- Age: 32
- Location: Near Khan Younis, Gaza
- Total athletes killed: Over 1,000 since October 2023
- Social media reach: Over 3.5 million views on the viral report
WHY IT MATTERS
This death highlights the heavy toll of the war on normal civilians, including beloved public figures. Soccer is a source of hope for many people in times of crisis.
People around the world are watching closely. They are asking why athletes are not safe from the violence.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Activists are pushing FIFA to ban Israel from global sports, similar to the ban on Russia. FIFA has faced growing pressure to address the war in Gaza.
The local sports community will honor Al-Ashqar's life. His family is left to prepare for a new baby without a father.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
What were the exact details of the shooting?
- How will FIFA officially respond to the calls for a ban?
- How will the Palestinian Football Association support Al-Ashqar's pregnant wife?
Transparency notes
Published: Jul 2, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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Sources
External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.
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Will A beloved soccer star was preparing to become a father. Then he was shot.?
Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar, 32, has been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, sparking international outcry and calls for FIFA to take action.
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