Palestinian youth footballer killed by Israeli settlers in West Bank

Fadi Hamdallah al-Nassan, a 17-year-old Palestinian national team footballer, died from gunshot wounds sustained during an attack by Israeli settlers on his village in the occupied West Bank. The incident highlights the escalating violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, a territory under Israeli occupation since 1967.

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With Fadi's death, the number of martyrs among Palestinian sports figures since October 7, 2023, has reached 1,013 people, including 568 people from the extended Palestinian football family.

Al-Nassan was shot in the thigh on July 11 and succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. The Palestinian Football Association reported that Israeli forces fired at him while settlers were attacking the village. His leg was amputated, but he ultimately died from his wounds. The association noted that his death brings the total number of Palestinian sports casualties since October 7, 2023, to 1,013, with 568 from the football community.

His father, Hamdallah al-Nassan, recounted that his son ran towards the scene after hearing screams during the attack. "He went to the scene of the attack and was killed," he said. His mother, Hanan al-Nassan, described him as a good student, talented in sports, and well-liked by everyone.

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He went to the scene of the attack and was killed.

The West Bank has seen continuous settlement expansion, deemed illegal under international law. Human rights groups and the United Nations have described Israeli actions in the West Bank as a form of apartheid. Al-Nassan was a player for the Al-Mughayyir club and a member of the Palestinian youth national team.

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He was a good student, talented in sports, and loved playing football. Everyone loved him.