10/08/2025
Palestinian 'Pelé' Suleiman al-Obeid Killed by Israeli Fire While Seeking Food
Suleiman al-Obeid, known by fans as the “Palestinian Pelé,” was killed on August 6, 2025, when Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians seeking food. The 41-year-old former national team striker, celebrated for his skill and passion for the game, was more than just an athlete; he was a symbol of resilience and pride for an occupied people. His death is part of a growing pattern of attacks on civilians at aid distribution points, where over 1,300 people have been killed since late May. According to the Palestine Football Association, at least 662 athletes and their family members have been killed since October 2023, with nearly half of them children.
Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah called out UEFA for issuing a tribute without naming Israel as responsible, underscoring how Palestinian lives are too often mourned without confronting the forces that cut them short. Al-Obeid’s life and death stand as a stark testament to the human cost of Israel’s siege, a cost paid not only by fighters or politicians, but by civilians, children, and icons who inspire hope under occupation.
Credit OnePath Network
