Mohamed Salah criticised UEFA for omitting the cause of death of Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obaid, killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza while waiting for aid. Over 800 athletes have died in the conflict, prompting calls for sports bodies to speak out.
CAIRO: Egyptian football icon Mohamed Salah has criticised UEFA for failing to mention the cause of death of former Palestinian star Suleiman al-Obaid, killed by an Israeli attack in Gaza while waiting for humanitarian aid.
Al-Obaid, nicknamed the “Palestinian Pele,” was killed on Wednesday during the second year of Israel’s war on Gaza. UEFA’s tribute described him as a talent who gave hope “even in the darkest of times” but omitted any reference to how he died.
Salah responded sharply on social media, asking UEFA: “Can you tell us how, where and why he died?” His post came amid mounting outrage over the silence of major sports bodies on the deaths of athletes in Gaza.
Palestinian officials say more than 800 athletes have been killed since Israel’s offensive began on October 7, 2023. Many died due to bombings, starvation, or the collapse of sports infrastructure.
Al-Obaid’s death occurred under a controversial Israeli- and US-backed aid distribution scheme, which critics say lures desperate civilians into “death trap” areas before attacks occur. The UN reports that at least 1,373 Palestinians have been killed since May 27 while queuing for food in these zones, as Israel blocks independent aid groups from entering Gaza.
The Palestinian Football Association confirmed: “Former national team player Suleiman al-Obaid was martyred during an attack by occupation forces while waiting for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.”
Born in Gaza, the 41-year-old father of five was considered one of the brightest stars in Palestinian football. He earned 24 caps for the national team, scoring twice, and inspired a generation of young players despite years of conflict and restrictions on movement.
His killing has renewed calls for the global sports community, including UEFA and FIFA, to speak out against attacks on athletes and demand accountability for crimes against the sporting fraternity in conflict zones.
