Israeli bombing kills Palestinian footballer and his family in Gaza

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has said that a Palestinian football player and his family were killed in an Israeli bombing of their house in the city of Gaza.   The PFA confirmed on Saturday that Al-Ahli Gaza footballer Ahmad Abu al-Atta, 34, his wife, and his children lost their lives after Israeli warplanes targeted their home near the Latin Church in Gaza.

Atta was the third Al-Ahli Gaza football player to be killed by Israeli bombardment since the beginning of Israel’s ongoing genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023.  He bagged 8 goals in his 10-year career, during which, he moved amongst the best clubs in Gaza, celebrating a variety of major titles, including the Gazan Premier League.

Two other Al-Ahli Gaza football players -- Muhammad Barakat and Anas Iqilan -- have been previously killed during Israeli genocidal war on the Strip.

Mohammed Barakat played for Al Ahli Gaza football club.  He was murdered by Israel last Monday.

Mohammed Barakat played for Al Ahli Gaza football club. He was killed in his house on Monday.

Known as "The Legend of Khan Younis", Barakat famously captained Khan Younis Youth Club, and was also a prolific goal scorer who had a tally of 114 goals for the side he led. The 39-year-old footballer also played for Jordanian club Al-Wehdat and Saudi Arabian club Al-Shoala.

According to the PFA, 300 Palestinian sportspeople, including approximately 200 football players, have been killed due to the Israeli regime's attacks on the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip since the outbreak of the war.

Several days ago, Palestinian FIFA international referee Hani Mesmeh succumbed to the severe wounds he sustained in May after his house was bombed in Deir al-Balah.

The PFA also announced in January that Hani al-Masdar, who coached Palestine’s Olympic football team, was killed in an aerial assault on the village of al-Masdar in central Gaza.

Israel has killed at least 37,551 people in Gaza, since it launched its genocidal war on the territory on October 7, 2023, said the health ministry on Saturday.  The ministry added that 85,911 people had also been wounded in Gaza since then.