AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): A Palestinian footballer and his family were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their house in the city of Gaza, the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) confirmed on Saturday.
Israeli warplanes targeted the house of Al-Ahli Gaza football player Ahmad Abu al-Atta, 34, near the Latin Church in Gaza, killing him along with his wife and children
Abu al-Atta was the third Al-Ahli Gaza football player to be killed by Israeli bombardment in the course of Israel’s ongoing genocidal war on Gaza since October 7, which resulted in the killing of at least 37,551 people and injuring 85,911 others.
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.
The first two Al-Ahli Gaza football players killed in the genocidal war on the Strip were Muhammad Barakat and Anas Iqilan.
Known as "The Legend of Khan Younis" due to his long association with the Khan Younis Youth Club, of which he was captain, Barakat, 39, was also a prolific goal scorer who had a tally of 114 goals for the side he led. He also played for Jordanian club Al-Wehdat, as well as Saudi Arabian club Al-Shoala.
According to the PFA, the number of Palestinian sportspeople killed due to Israeli attacks on the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip since 7 October has risen to 300, including approximately 200 football players.
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.
Palestinian Olympic Committee head Jibril Rajoub previously stated that the Palestinian football family was suffering an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe and subjected to genocide due to the extensive destruction of football infrastructure, particularly in Gaza, and the use of playgrounds as mass detention camps in Gaza.
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