Gaza City: The Palestinian Sports Media Union has announced the martyrdom of 708 athletes due to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, described as a war of extermination by Israeli forces.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Sports Media Union, Mustafa Siam, stated in a press release that the conflict has led to the deaths of 708 Palestinian athletes. This toll includes 95 children from the Cubs category. Additionally, the destruction of 273 sports facilities in the area has been reported.

Siam further detailed that among the deceased were 369 football players, including the 95 children from the Cubs, and 105 members of the Scout Movement. The conflict also claimed the lives of 234 athletes from various sports federations. Notably, the casualties in the sports community include Ahmed Haroun, the coach of the Palestinian Al-Ribat Handball Club, and Anas Al-Dabji, a player for the Deir al-Balah and Al-Jalaa clubs.