Salah questions UEFA's dismissal of former Palestinian player Suleiman Obeid

Mohamed Salah has questioned UEFA's "farewell" to former Palestinian footballer Suleiman Obeid , who was reportedly shot dead by Israeli forces while waiting for aid in Gaza, AFP reports.

"Can you tell us how he died, where and why?" Salah asked on social media X.

Salah was asking for a response to a UEFA post that read: "Farewell to Suleiman al-Obeid, the 'Palestinian Pelé .' A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times."

Obeid, 41 , was fatally wounded by Israeli gunfire Wednesday as he waited in crowds for aid near a distribution site in southern Gaza, the Palestinian Football Association said. He leaves behind a wife and five children. The Associated Press could not independently verify what happened.

Obeid made 24 appearances for Palestine, scoring two goals , while netting more than 100 goals over the course of his career with local clubs, AFP said, describing him as "one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football."

AFP published a letter attributed to Aleksander Ceferin in which the UEFA president expressed his "deep sadness at 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 a reason to believe in a brighter tomorrow. His passing is a huge loss for the world of football and for all who understand the power of sport to inspire."

"Hello Mohamed, after an initial review, we found no record of any incident involving Suleiman al-Obeid. To examine this further, we need more details," Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in response to Salah on X.

AFP said Obeid's death brings to 662 the number of Palestinian athletes and sports officials killed since the 22-month war began.

The UN human rights office said last month that some 1,400 Palestinians have been killed seeking help in Gaza since May, almost all by Israeli fire.

Israel's air and ground campaign has killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza, displaced most of the population, destroyed vast areas, and pushed the territory toward famine. Hamas-led militants unleashed the war when they stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and kidnapping 251.