IDF Reveals Gaza Footballers Were Active Hamas and Islamic Jihad Militants

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has disclosed detailed intelligence proving that individuals presented internationally as innocent Palestinian football players, coaches, and referees from Gaza were in fact active militants and commanders in the military wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. This revelation comes amid global claims accusing the IDF of deliberately targeting innocent Palestinian athletes during the ongoing conflict.

Following extensive intelligence investigations, the IDF identified numerous sports figures who concealed their involvement in terrorist activities. Among those killed were Muhammad Barkat, a footballer and militant who infiltrated Israeli territory during the October 7 massacre, and Mahmoud Kamal Muhammad Ali Al-Rifi, a football player who served as a platoon commander in Hamas's aerial unit. Muhammad Mansour, a player and coach who was deputy commander of a Hamas battalion and also crossed into Israel on October 7, was similarly exposed.

The list also includes Muhammad Sami Muhammad Khatab, internationally recognized as a FIFA referee but actually an active Islamic Jihad militant in central Gaza. Other militants identified include Ahmad Muhammad Hassan Abu Al-Ata, Abdullah Riyad Abdullah Khatab, Ali Mahmoud Ahmad Al-Khard, Muhammad Emad Atta Hassouna, and several others who combined roles as football players or coaches with militant leadership positions.

The IDF spokesman emphasized that these disclosures aim to counter false narratives portraying Israel as targeting civilians engaged in sports. The military condemned ongoing campaigns that misrepresent militants as journalists, aid workers, or civilians to falsely accuse Israel of unlawful attacks. The IDF pledged to continue exposing such cases to present the full facts and refute misleading international claims.