Salah questions UEFA's 'farewell' to former Palestine soccer player Suleiman Obeid

Cairo: Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is questioning UEFA’s 'farewell' to former Palestinian soccer player Suleiman Obeid, nicknamed the 'Palestinian Pele', who was reportedly shot and killed by Israeli forces while awaiting aid in Gaza.

“Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” Salah asked on the social network X in response to a post from UEFA saying, “Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pele.’ A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.”

Salah, 33, who has more than 19.4 million followers on X, previously called for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza as he pleaded for an end to "massacres" in the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

According to the Palestine Football Association, Suleiman Obeid, 41, was fatally shot by Israeli forces on Wednesday while he was waiting among crowds for aid near a distribution site in southern Gaza. He leaves behind a wife and five children.

An ex-star of the Khadamat Al-Shati club in Gaza, Obeid played 24 international matches for team Palestine, the PFA said.

"During his long career, Al-Obeid scored more than 100 goals, making him one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football," it added.

The PFA published a letter attributed to Aleksander Čeferin in which the UEFA president said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic death” of Obeid, who was “more than just a footballer. He was proof that joy, skill, and pride can flourish despite suffering. His talent and dedication to the game gave the children of Gaza and beyond reason to believe in a brighter tomorrow. His passing is a great loss to the world of football and to everyone who understands the power of sport to inspire.”

Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani replied to Salah on X: “Hey Mohamed, After an initial review, we found no records of any incidents involving Suleiman al-Obeid. In order to take a closer look, we need more details.”

The PFA said Obeid’s death brings to 662 the number of Palestinian athletes and sporting officials killed since the 22-month war started.