‘Palestine’s Pele’ killed while trying to obtain aid in Gaza
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‘Palestine’s Pele’ killed while trying to obtain aid in Gaza
Suleiman al-Obeid, a celebrated former Palestinian national football star known as the "Pele of Palestinian football," was killed by Israeli forces Wednesday as he waited for desperately needed humanitarian aid in southern Gaza. The Palestinian Football Association mourned his loss, calling him “one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football,” and noted that at least 662 Palestinian athletes have died since the war began in October 2023. Al-Obeid, who scored over 100 goals in his career, is survived by his wife and five children and is remembered as a symbol of resilience for Gaza’s youth.
Why it matters: Al-Obeid’s death underscores the immense toll of the conflict on Palestinian athletes and civilians alike, and highlights the risks faced by those simply seeking survival amid ongoing siege and attacks.
Netanyahu confirms plan to occupy all of Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly confirmed Israel’s intent to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, deepening concerns over further escalation and devastation. This comes as critics warn of worsening humanitarian fallout and massive civilian casualties, with the United Nations and regional actors raising urgent alarms about the prospects of total occupation.
Why it matters: A full reoccupation would represent a dramatic shift in regional dynamics and risk intensifying humanitarian catastrophe for Gaza’s 2.2 million residents, complicating peace and reconstruction prospects.
Nearly 100 Children have starved to death in Gaza, Health Ministry says
The Gaza Health Ministry reported Thursday that 96 children have died of starvation since October 2023, as footage from Gaza shows emaciated infants and young children suffering severe malnutrition. Among the victims is 6-month-old Zaineb Abu Halib, who died on July 26 weighing less than her birth weight, and one-year-old Mohammad al-Matouq, whose image—reduced to skin and bone—has drawn global attention. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a U.N.-backed group, described Gaza as facing “the worst-case scenario of famine.” UNRWA’s commissioner-general described the crisis as “an entirely man-made famine.”
Why it matters: The tragic deaths of nearly 100 children expose the catastrophic effects of siege and conflict on Gaza’s youngest and most vulnerable, amplifying calls for urgent humanitarian action and global accountability.