Palestinian footballer killed in Israeli airstrike played in Ireland as a child

Muhammed Khalifa, as well as his brother and other family members, was killed in the Israeli airstrike.

Muhammed Khalifa, who was 20 years old, had previously spent time in Ireland with Gaza Kids.

On both visits, he had played football and met President Michael D Higgins on both occasions.

Muhammed's brother Mahmoud was also killed in the attack, along with a number of their family members. 

The brothers continued to play football when they returned home to Gaza, with Mahmoud playing for Ahli Al Nuseirat and Muhammed being one of Hilal Gaza Club’s forwards.

Muhammed represented the Palestine NT and had played against Dublin club Ballybrack FC during his past visits to Ireland.

Gaza Action Ireland paid tribute to Muhammed in a post on X, writing: “Muhammad Khalifa came to Ireland twice with the Gaza Kids. He played football, gave us a window into life under siege, and warmed our hearts.

“Today he was murdered by Israel, along with his brother and family members.”

Former Sinn Féin TD, Chris Andrews, also took to X to offer his condolences.

“I’m heartbroken to hear that Muhammad Khalifa has been murdered by Israel. Khalifa was one of the amazing Gaza Kids that came to Ireland.”

The Tánaiste today secured Cabinet approval for Ireland to intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel, which is currently before the International Court of Justice

The case against Israel is based upon breaches of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip.