Gaza Goalkeeper Killed While Seeking Cooking Gas

Saleem Khader al-Ashqar, 32, left his home in southern Gaza last Monday to obtain cooking gas for his pregnant wife and was shot and killed by Israeli forces in the town of al-Qarara, northeast of Khan Younis. Al-Ashqar played for Khadamat Khan Younis and several other local clubs. He had married in January 2026 and was expecting his first child.

His uncle, a member of the association's referees committee, said al-Ashqar went out only to provide for his family.

The president of Khadamat Khan Younis described the death as a severe loss to players and staff, calling al-Ashqar a role model who viewed sports as relief from wartime stress. The club has begun repairing a damaged indoor sports hall with local help and plans to resume activities for youth once conditions allow.

Officials stated that local tournaments in premier and youth divisions have continued using remaining pitches and minimal resources. The uncle asked international sports bodies about their response to attacks on athletes and officials in Gaza and cited the denial of entry for one association president to the World Cup as an example of unequal treatment.