IDF reveals terror affiliations of 12 Gazan soccer players killed in Israeli strikes
Military criticizes 'false campaign' that portrayed Israel as deliberately targeting soccer players, despite many of them having ties to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad
The Israeli military revealed details on 12 Gazan soccer players killed in Israeli strikes, identifying them as terror operatives from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The IDF stated that these individuals were often portrayed internationally as innocent athletes, with their affiliations deliberately concealed. The military aims to counter what it calls a "false campaign portraying the IDF as deliberately targeting members of the soccer community."
- Among those identified, Barakat, nicknamed "the Legend of Khan Younis," was a Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist who invaded Israel on October 7, 2023.
- Al-Rifi, captain of Al-Jalaa, was a company commander in Hamas's aerial array.
- Mansour, a player and youth coach, was a deputy commander in Hamas's Nuseirat Battalion and participated in the October 7, 2023, invasion.
- Khattab, a FIFA international referee, was a member of Islamic Jihad's anti-tank missile array.
The IDF emphasized that these revelations are part of an effort to expose the true nature of individuals presented as civilians in broader campaigns against Israel.
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