The Israeli army has killed 785 Palestinian athletes and sports officials in Gaza and the occupied West Bank since October 2023, according to the Palestinian Football Association, Anadolu Agency reports.
Susan Shalabi, deputy head of the association, was quoted as saying the deaths include players and administrative staff from various sports, with the vast majority killed in Gaza and 23 in the occupied West Bank.
Shalabi said 437 of those killed were football players, including 15 from the West Bank. She explained that the association is compiling the figures using player registration records and data from its Gaza branch.
However, Shalabi noted that the toll is likely higher as missing persons under rubble cannot be reached due to restricted access to many affected areas.
Regarding sports infrastructure, Shalabi said Israeli attacks have completely or partially destroyed 288 sports facilities, including stadiums, gyms and club buildings. Of those, 21 were in the occupied West Bank.
She demanded an end to Israel’s deliberate targeting of Palestinian sports and called for protection for athletes and sports venues in both Gaza and the West Bank.
