Allam Abdullah Al-Amour (Credit: Palestine Athletics Federation via Facebook)
Palestinian runner Allam Al-Amour killed while seeking food aid in Gaza
Palestinian athlete Allam Abdullah Al-Amour, a bronze medalist at the 2023 West Asia Championships, was killed by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on Wednesday morning near a US-backed aid distribution point outside Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to Palestinian officials.
The 23-year-old runner had been attempting to collect humanitarian assistance for his family when he was struck by IOF fire, the Palestinian Athletics Federation said. The group announced his death in a statement on Facebook, writing, "With deep sorrow and grief, the Palestinian Athletics Federation mourns the young runner, Allam Amour, who has ascended to his Lord as a martyr."
According to the federation, Amour was killed by 'Israeli' shelling as famine deepens across Gaza, where 317 people have died from hunger and malnutrition.
"He never expected that his end would be a bullet to the head, instead of carrying food to feed his family," the statement continued. "This was Allam's last race, not on a running track, but a painful race towards the afterlife, leaving behind a touching story and fond memories in the hearts of his fans and everyone who heard about his determination and excellence."
Amour, who had represented Palestine internationally, including at the West Asian Championships in Qatar, was remembered by relatives as determined and hopeful.
His family told Anadolu Agency that he "was martyred by Israeli army gunfire near what are known as American aid centres."
