Israel Accuses 12 Killed Palestinian Football Figures of Militant Ties; Palestinian Officials Deny
The Israeli army released a statement on Thursday claiming that 12 Palestinian football figures killed during the Gaza war were members of armed groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The named individuals include a FIFA assistant referee and others accused of participating in the October 7, 2023 attacks. The Palestinian Football Association rejected the accusations, calling them an attempt to cover up Israeli killings of players, coaches, referees, and club officials. An anonymous official stated that most were killed in bombings on their homes or tents, often with their families. AFP could not independently verify the claims, and neither Hamas nor Islamic Jihad immediately responded. The war has seen Palestinian football authorities accuse Israel of targeting sports figures and infrastructure, while Israel maintains it only targets fighters and military assets.
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