12 Eliminated Gazan Soccer Players Linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad

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It can now be revealed that 12 Gazan individuals who were portrayed as innocent soccer players, were simultaneously terrorists who served in the military wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and were strategically targeted in IDF strikes.

These individuals, who in many cases were portrayed internationally as innocent professional soccer players, referees and coaches, were affiliated with terrorist organizations that posed a threat to Israeli civilians and were eliminated over the course of the war.

Following their eliminations, news outlets, state officials, prominent influencers and even official soccer organizations mourned them and accused Israel of deliberately targeting ״professional athletes״ in an effort to undermine Gazan soccer.

These claims are proven to be false, and align with other false allegations that the IDF purposefully targets journalists, aid workers and other internationally protected professions. 

On the contrary, these individuals were not targeted because of their work, but because of their proven involvement in terrorist activity. They used their civilian professions as a cover for their terrorist affiliations, exploiting their protected status and endangering civilians. The IDF does not deliberately target Gazan athletes.

Terrorist Affiliations and Roles

The defender presented as a soccer player who was later identified as an Islamic Jihad commander:

Ahmed Abu al-Atta played as a defender for several clubs in Gaza, including Ittihad Al-Shuja'iyya, Al-Tuffah, and Al-Ahli Gaza. Abu al-Atta was presented as an innocent soccer player, however, in June 2026, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad published his name and photograph, identifying him as a platoon commander in its military wing.

The international referee:

Mohammed Sami Mohammed Khattab was an international assistant referee. He participated in the West Asian Championship and officiated international matches. He was presented as an innocent soccer player, but in reality was a terrorist in the Islamic Jihad’s Central Camps Brigade.

The captain who participated in the infiltration into Israeli territory during the October 7 Massacre:

Mohammed Emad Hassouna was captain of Shabab Al-Zawaida. Hassouna was presented as an innocent soccer player, but in reality was a Hamas terrorist who infiltrated Israeli territory during the October 7 Massacre.

The player and coach who was also an Islamic Jihad commander:

Ali al-Kurd played as a midfielder for Al-Qadisiyah Rafah and later coached Al-Qadisiyah and Al-Istiqlal. Al-Kurd was presented as an innocent athlete while simultaneously serving as a platoon commander in the Islamic Jihad in Rafah.

The goalkeeper who served as an Islamic Jihad operative:

Mahmoud Osama al-Jazzar was a goalkeeper who played for Al-Qadisiyah and Khadamat Rafah. Al-Jazzar was presented as an innocent soccer player and goalkeeper, but in reality served as an operative in the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization.

The coach who served as a Hamas deputy battalion commander:

Mohammed Mansour played for the reserve team of Khadamat Al-Nuseirat and served as the fitness coach for the club’s youth team. At the same time, he served as deputy commander of the Nuseirat Battalion in Hamas’ military wing.

The soccer player who served in the Islamic Jihad anti-tank array:

Abdullah Riyad Abdullah Khattab played for Al-Ribat and Ittihad Shabab Deir Al-Balah. He was presented as an innocent soccer player but served as a terrorist in the Islamic Jihad anti-tank array.

The IDF will continue to expose such cases in order to present the full facts and refute claims which do not reflect reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What soccer-related roles did the terrorists hold?

They were soccer players, club captains, coaches and one was also an international referee.

Did the terrorists take part in the October 7 Massacre?

Several of the terrorists participated in the October 7 Massacre and infiltrated Israel during the attack.