Palestinian goalkeeper killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, according to reports

He married just five months ago and was expecting a child

The news was first announced by the Palestine Football Association who said that 32-year-old goalkeeper Salim Khader Al-Ashqar had been shot dead in Gaza.

The goalkeeper played for Khadamat Khan Younis, one of the oldest and most established clubs in Gaza.

Al Jazeera also reported the news, saying that Al-Ashqar had only just been married five months ago and the couple were expecting their first child.

A memorial graphic was posted to X on 29 June by the Palestine Football Association in honour of Al-Ashqar.

The Palestinian Football Association says more than 1,000 Palestinian athletes have been killed since October 2023.

Around 567 of these have been footballers.

Khadamat Khan Younis released a statement.

It read: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of 32-year-old Palestinian goalkeeper Al-Ashqar.

"He was killed by the Israeli army.

"We are saddened that such incidents continue.

"We demand justice and peace."