VICE PRESIDENT OF PALESTINIAN KARATE UNION KILLED IN ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE ON BEIT LAHIYA

GAZA, March 22 (Bernama-WAFA) -- Behjat Rizq Tantish, the Vice President of the Palestinian Karate Union, was killed on Saturday (March 22) evening in an Israeli artillery strike near his home in the Al-Shaymaa neighbourhood in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip.

Tantish was a prominent figure in Palestinian karate for many years, dedicating his life to the sport and contributing to its development and spread in Gaza.

He was also instrumental in training and nurturing a new generation of athletes.

His killing represents a significant loss to Palestinian sports, which has already seen the tragic loss of many promising athletes, administrators, and technical staff members due to the ongoing conflict.

These individuals leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations with their dedication and achievements.

Since the beginning of the Israeli genocide in Gaza on Oct 7, 2023, at least 560 Palestinian athletes have been killed, including 250 members of the Palestinian football community from all categories, 259 members of sports academies and federations affiliated with the Palestinian Olympic Committee, and 51 members of the Palestinian Scouts and Guides.

Additionally, the aggression has destroyed 265 sports facilities, with 184 completely damaged and 81 partially affected, while 23 sports fields have been either totally or partially destroyed.

Despite these daily crimes and the ongoing bombardment by the Israeli military, the international sports community, including FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has failed to hold Israel accountable.

Neither body has issued any condemnation or taken action against Israel for its violations against Palestinian sports and athletes.

-- BERNAMA-WAFA