Palestinian footballer Muhannad al-Lili, 30, died from injuries sustained in an Israeli airstrike on his family’s home in Gaza’s Maghazi refugee camp. The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) confirmed his death, marking him as the 265th athlete killed in the ongoing conflict.
An Israeli drone missile struck al-Lili’s bedroom on June 26, 2025, causing severe head trauma and internal bleeding, per Middle East Eye. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed on July 3 after days in critical condition at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. The attack, part of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, adds to a reported 39,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, per Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Al-Lili’s funeral was held quietly amid ongoing bombardment.
Born in the Maghazi camp, al-Lili rose through Khadamat al-Maghazi’s youth system, helping the club reach the Palestinian Premier League in 2016–17. He later played for Shabab Jabalia, finishing second in the 2018–19 season, and returned to Khadamat al-Maghazi after suffering a ligament injury. The PFA hailed his contributions, while sports journalist Leyla Hameed reported over 430 athletes killed in the conflict, highlighting Gaza’s devastated sports infrastructure.
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Tributes flooded social media, with footballer Mohammad al-Sharif writing, “Every day we bid farewell to a new athlete.” Journalist Abubaker Abed criticised global media’s silence, contrasting coverage of Diogo Jota’s death with Gaza’s losses. Al-Lili, unable to meet his newborn son in Norway due to Gaza’s blockade, was mourned widely, with his wedding photos circulating online, amplifying calls for justice.
