Credited from: TRTGLOBAL
On Wednesday, Palestinian international runner Allam Al-Amour was killed by Israeli army gunfire while attempting to obtain humanitarian aid near a US-backed aid center in Khan Younis, Gaza. Family sources described his death, stating he was "martyred" as he sought relief for his family amidst the dire conditions in the enclave, which has been devastated by military operations since October 2023, resulting in nearly 63,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Anadolu Agency and TRT.
Al-Amour, who represented Palestine with distinction in athletic competitions, had recently won a bronze medal in the 3,000-meter race at the West Asia Clubs Athletics Championship in Doha, March 2023. His tragic shooting follows a pattern of violence targeting athletes, with reports indicating that over 800 athletes have been killed since the onset of the current conflict. The Palestinian Football Association highlighted the immense suffering within the sports community, emphasizing a profound humanitarian tragedy impacting sportspeople and facilities Middle East Eye and TRT.
The circumstances surrounding Al-Amour's death are indicative of the broader crisis affecting Gaza, where access to basic necessities like food and medical assistance is fraught with danger. The hardships faced by athletes are compounded by ongoing bombardment and the destruction of sports infrastructure, with reports mentioning that up to 90% of such facilities have been damaged or destroyed. As noted by the Palestinian Athletics Federation, "His end would not be a bullet to the head," highlighting the tragic irony of his death while attempting to feed his family amid starvation threats Middle East Eye and Anadolu Agency.