IDF Reveals Gaza Footballers Killed in War Were Terror Operatives, Not Civilians

In recent weeks, false claims have circulated alleging that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deliberately targeted innocent Palestinian football players during the conflict. In response, the IDF has disclosed that several individuals presented internationally as footballers, referees, and coaches were in fact militants affiliated with the military wings of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in the Gaza Strip. These operatives were killed by the IDF during the war. Intelligence investigations have confirmed their organizational ties and roles, despite many being portrayed solely as athletes without mention of their terror affiliations.

This revelation counters a broader campaign aimed at falsely accusing Israel of intentionally attacking civilians, which also included misrepresenting other militants as journalists, aid workers, and professionals to obscure their terrorist activities. The IDF stated it will continue exposing such cases to present the full facts and refute misleading claims.

The disclosed names include Muhammad Barkat, a PIJ terrorist who infiltrated Israel on October 7; Mahmoud Kamal Muhammad Ali Al-Rifi, a Hamas military air unit platoon commander; and Muhammad Manzur, a football player and coach who was deputy commander of a Hamas battalion and also crossed into Israel on October 7. Others listed are Ahmad Muhammad Hassan Abu Al-Ata, a PIJ platoon commander; Abdullah Riyad Abdullah Khatab, a PIJ anti-tank operative; Muhammad Sami Muhammad Khatab, an international FIFA referee and PIJ operative; and several more Hamas and PIJ militants who held command or combat roles while also being involved in football.

The IDF emphasized that these disclosures demonstrate the falsehood of claims that it targeted individuals solely for their civilian professions and reaffirmed its commitment to revealing the truth amid ongoing misinformation efforts.