Over 700 Palestinian athletes killed in Israeli rampaging attacks on Gaza
The Palestinian Sports Media Association (PSMA) reported Saturday that 708 athletes, including 95 children, have lost their lives in Gaza since the escalation of violence on October 7, 2023.
PSMA head Mustafa Siyam confirmed to Anadolu Agency that the fatalities include handball coach Ahmad Haroun and football player Anas al-Debji.
Haroun was killed in an artillery strike targeting his home in the Nuseirat refugee camp, while al-Debji died in an airstrike on his family’s residence in Deir al-Balah.
Siyam detailed the broader impact on the sports community:
• 369 football players and 234 athletes from various sports federations have been killed.
• 105 members of scouting organizations are among the victims.
• 273 sports facilities, including stadiums and gyms, have been partially or completely destroyed.
“These attacks will profoundly affect the future of Palestinian sports and devastate thousands of athletes,” Siyam stated. He accused Israel of deliberately targeting sports as a key part of Gaza’s social and cultural identity, labeling the aggression an “existential challenge.”
Siyam called on the international community and global sports federations to intervene and protect Palestinian athletes and facilities from further destruction.
The intensified despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. Over 46,500 individuals, predominantly women and children, have reportedly been killed since the conflict began.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
