Palestinian footballer Imad Abu Tima, 21, dies after Israeli airstrike in Gaza
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Following recent airstrikes from Israeli forces in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, NationalWorld has learned that footballer Imad Abu Tima has died at the age of 21. The Palestinian was reportedly with the rest of his family when the airstrikes hit.
Playing for Ittihad Khan Younis, Abu Tima had been called up to the Palestinian under-21 side on multiple occasions, and was thought to have a bright international career ahead of him.
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According to the Palestine National Olympic Committee (PNOC), Abu Tima is one of 400 athletes killed during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of more than 42,500 people in total.
A statement from the organisation said: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will be mandated to investigate the alleged discrimination raised by the Palestine Football Association.”
Abu Tima’s death comes as a debate rages within FIFA about Israel’s eligibility to compete in international tournaments while the conflict continues. The PNOC added that it will investigate “the participation in Israeli competitions of football teams reportedly based in Palestinian territory”.
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