Suleiman al-Obeid: Palestinian Football Legend Killed While Waiting for Aid in Gaza

In a devastating blow to both the sporting world and the humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza, 41-year-old former national player Suleiman al-Obeid has died after being caught in a volley of gunfire while waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza.

Early Life & Football Career

Born in Gaza in 1984, al-Obeid rose through the ranks of local club football to become one of Palestine’s brightest talents. He played for Gaza’s Khadamat al-Shati and later for Markaz Shabab al-Am’ari in the occupied West Bank. Holding the impressive feat of scoring more than 100 club-goals, he earned the nickname the “Palestinian Pelé” for his flair and scoring ability.

On the international stage, al-Obeid represented Palestine, earning 24 caps and scoring twice. One of his most memorable moments came during the 2010 West Asian Football Federation championship when he scored a powerful scissor-kick goal against Yemen.

A Humanitarian Crisis and a Fatal Waiting Line

On August 6, 2025, al-Obeid was standing in a queue at a humanitarian aid distribution point in the southern Gaza Strip — a region beset by war, siege conditions and acute hunger. According to the Palestine Football Association (PFA), Israeli forces “targeted people waiting for humanitarian aid,” and al-Obeid was among those fatally struck.

His family reported that a tank shell had impacted the area, and medical sources confirmed multiple casualties at the site. The Israeli military later stated it had no record of casualties in that specific distribution-site on the date in question — a conflicting account.

Legacy Beyond the Pitch

Al-Obeid’s death underscores the tragic intersections of sport, conflict and humanitarian suffering. To many Palestinians, he was more than an athlete — he was a symbol of resilience and hope, showing that even under siege, joy and talent could shine. His widow, Doaa al-Obeid, clutches the number 10 shorts he once wore, a small relic of a once vibrant life.

The PFA reports that since October 2023, at least 662 individuals from the Palestinian sports community — including players, coaches and officials — have been killed in the Gaza conflict, with 321 directly involved in football. Al-Obeid joins a growing list of figures whose names now bear witness to the war’s toll on cultural life.

Family & Personal

Al-Obeid leaves behind a young family: his wife and five children. Those who knew him say he never gave up on the pitch or in life, even as Gaza’s war raged around him. His presence was described as “a gazelle” — fast, graceful and inspiring.

A Call for Attention

Following his death, global football figures raised the alarm. Mohamed Salah publicly questioned why tributes to al-Obeid omitted the details of his death:

“Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”

The incident reignites the broader conversation about the protection of civilians, athletes and aid-seekers in conflict zones.

Conclusion

Suleiman al-Obeid’s passing is a powerful reminder that amid conflict, the loss of a sports legend is more than a personal tragedy — it’s a cultural one. He leaves behind a legacy of graceful play, enduring hope and the stark reality that even those who once brought joy on the field can become casualties in a crisis far greater than sport. His story will resonate not only in Gaza, but across the world’s footballing community.

FAQs

Q1: Who was Suleiman al-Obeid?
A: A former Palestinian national footballer, nicknamed the “Palestinian Pelé” for scoring over 100 club-goals and earning 24 national caps. (ESPN.com)

Q2: How did he die?
A: He was killed on August 6, 2025 while waiting for humanitarian aid in southern Gaza, in an area reportedly targeted by Israeli forces. (The Times of Israel)

Q3: What was his legacy?
A: Beyond his athletic achievements, al-Obeid symbolised hope and resilience for Palestinians — especially under siege.

Q4: What impact has his death had?
A: His death has stirred calls for accountability and transparency in how conflict-related tragedies involving civilians are reported and acknowledged.

Q5: Who survives him?
A: He is survived by his wife and five children, and his memory is held by the Palestinian football community and beyond. (Al Jazeera)