Palestinian Footballer Killed in Israeli Airstrike on First Day of Ramadan
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – On the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, Mohammed Barakat, a prominent Palestinian footballer, was tragically killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted his family home in Khan Younis.
The strike, which occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, resulted in the deaths of several members of the Barakat family, including Mohammed.
Barakat, 39, was a beloved figure in Palestine's football community, having started his career in 2015. He quickly rose to fame, capturing the hearts of fans with his skill and passion for the game. Known as 'the legend of Khan Younis,' Barakat became a household name in Gaza and the West Bank.
"The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) expressed its deep sorrow over Barakat's death, calling it a tragic loss for the national team and Palestinian football as a whole," said the association in a statement released on Tuesday. "His talent and dedication to the sport will be greatly missed."
In addition to playing for the national team, Barakat was also a key player for the Khan Younis Youth Club, where he served as both striker and captain. He was celebrated for becoming the first player in Gaza to score 100 goals for a single team, with his total career goals reaching 114.
The PFA also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinian athletes, noting that Barakat's death is part of a larger pattern of violence against the Palestinian people in the enclave.
Since October 7, a total of 157 Palestinian athletes have been killed by Israeli forces, including 90 football players. The PFA called on FIFA and UEFA to take action and condemn these acts of violence.
Many social media users and public figures have expressed outrage over Barakat's death, calling for a ban on Israeli football teams. Mick Wallace, a member of the European Parliament, questioned UEFA's silence on the matter, while Terrence Daniels, an Air Force veteran from New Zealand, condemned the killing as a war crime.
Barakat's death comes just months after Hani Al-Masdar, the manager of the Palestinian Olympic team, was killed in a similar airstrike in January. The deaths of these athletes highlight the ongoing Israeli violence that has led to the killing of at least 31,184 Palestinians and wounded 72,889 more.