Gazan Individuals Presented as Soccer Players Were Operatives of Hamas and Islamic Jihad Military Wings

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It can now be revealed that 12 Gazan individuals who were presented internationally as innocent, civilian soccer players, in fact served as operatives in the military wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and were targeted during IDF operations.

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 deaths, 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 allegations misrepresent the basis for the strikes. These individuals were not targeted due to their civilian professions, but because of their operational roles within the military wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. They used their civilian professions as cover for their military roles. IDF strikes are directed against lawful military objectives. The civilian profession of a military wing operative does not provide immunity from lawful targeting under international law.

Terrorist Affiliations and Roles

Ahmed Abu al-Atta — Islamic Jihad military wing, platoon 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. In June 2026, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad published his name and photograph, confirming his role as a platoon commander in its military wing.

Mohammed Sami Mohammed Khattab — Islamic Jihad military wing, Central Camps Brigade:

Khattab served as an international assistant referee and participated in the West Asian Championship, officiating international matches. He was an operative of the Islamic Jihad’s Central Camps Brigade, a military unit of the organization’s armed wing.

Mohammed Emad Hassouna — Hamas military wing, infiltrated Israeli territory on October 7:

Hassouna served as captain of Shabab Al-Zawaida. He was an operative of the Hamas military wing who infiltrated Israeli territory during the October 7 Massacre.

Ali al-Kurd — Islamic Jihad military wing, platoon commander (Rafah):

Ali al-Kurd played as a midfielder for Al-Qadisiyah Rafah and later coached Al-Qadisiyah and Al-Istiqlal. He served as a platoon commander in the Islamic Jihad military wing in Rafah.

Mahmoud Osama al-Jazzar — Islamic Jihad military wing, operative:

Mahmoud Osama al-Jazzar played as a goalkeeper for Al-Qadisiyah and Khadamat Rafah. He served as an operative in the Islamic Jihad military wing.

Mohammed Mansour — Hamas military wing, 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. He simultaneously held the role of deputy commander of the Nuseirat Battalion in the Hamas military wing.

Abdullah Riyad Abdullah Khattab — Islamic Jihad military wing, anti-tank unit:

Abdullah Riyad Abdullah Khattab played for Al-Ribat and Ittihad Shabab Deir Al-Balah. He served as an operative in the Islamic Jihad military wing’s anti-tank unit.

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? 

While serving as operatives in the military wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, these individuals held various roles in Gazan soccer — as players, club captains, coaches, and in one case as an international referee. These civilian roles do not alter their status as lawful military objectives under the law of armed conflict.

Did any of the terrorists take part the October 7 Massacre?

Yes. Several of the terrorists were members of Hamas who infiltrated Israeli territory and took part in the October 7 Massacre.