Palestinian footballer Barakat killed in Israel bombing

Top Palestinian footballer Mohammed Barakat has been killed in Israeli bombing of his house during the ongoing war in Gaza.

The forces targeted his house located in Khan Yunis on the first day of fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Known as the ‘Legend of Khan Yunis’ was one of the top scorers and the first player in Gaza to score 100 goals for one team. Overall, he scored 114 goals during his long association with the Khan Yunis Youth Club, which he captained.

The forward also made three appearances for the national team and the Ahly Gaza football club in the local league.

His death was called a “huge loss for Palestinian football” by Khalid Abu-Habel, a local club footballer.

“I played against him,” Abu-Habel, a defender for Khadamat al-Maghazi, told Al Jazeera hours after the legendary striker’s death was confirmed.

“He was quick and clever. A top, top goal scorer. Off the pitch, he was kind and friendly. A beloved friend of all.”

According to the Palestinian Football Association, with his death the number of sports martyrs has risen to 157 since the War began back in October 2023.

90 of those killed were football players, including 23 children and 67 young players.

Additionally, 22 sports facilities were destroyed in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, in addition to the arrest of many athletes.