Palestinian youth footballer Fadi Nassan has died after spending a week in critical condition following a gunshot wound to the thigh in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Football Association.
Nassan, 17, played for Al Mughayyir Club and represented Palestine’s U-17 national team. The federation said he underwent emergency surgery, including the amputation of his leg, in an effort to save his life, but later succumbed to his injuries.
In a statement, the Palestinian Football Association said Nassan died “leaving behind his unfinished dream of becoming a footballer.”
The Palestinian government also commented on the incident in a post on X, writing: “As the world prepares for the FIFA World Cup final, a young Palestinian footballer dies after being shot by Israeli forces.”
According to the Palestinian Football Association, 1,013 members of the Palestinian sports community have been killed since the escalation of the conflict on Oct. 7, 2023. The federation said that figure includes 568 footballers.
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Israel has not immediately commented on the specific incident described by the Palestinian authorities.
