Ramallah: At just 13 years old, Ammar Hamayel, a promising young Muay Thai athlete from the village of Kafr Malik, northeast of Ramallah, had dreams of becoming a champion. However, his life was tragically cut short when he was shot by an Israeli soldier while riding his bike. The incident left the local community and his teammates at the Fighting Zone Muay Thai club grieving the loss of a dedicated and inspiring young athlete.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Ammar was shot on the evening of June 23rd, and despite his injuries, he received no immediate medical aid and succumbed to his wounds. The occupation forces withheld his body temporarily before returning it to Palestinian authorities. The International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) expressed their shock and sorrow over the incident, paying tribute to Ammar's passion for the sport and his impact on those around him.
Ammar's coach, Ahmad Abu Dukhan, described him as a fearless fighter with a gift for uplifting spirits, and a person who was deeply loved by his teammates. Abu Dukhan recounted the moments leading up to Ammar's death and the regret of not responding to a message from Ammar earlier that day. The tragic news of his death left the coach and his teammates in deep grief.
The Muay Thai community, including Ammar's teammates, Ibrahim Jamous and Lilian Allis, shared their memories of his kindness, bravery, and infectious energy. They emphasized the challenges Ammar faced in attending training due to the distance and road closures, highlighting his dedication to the sport.
In the wake of Ammar's death, Abu Dukhan discussed the broader issues faced by Palestinian athletes, who are often left vulnerable in the face of violence. He called on the international community to acknowledge and address the challenges and threats faced by Palestinian athletes.
Ammar's family and community continue to mourn their loss, with his younger brother expressing a desire to follow in Ammar's footsteps. Abu Dukhan and the community remain hopeful for justice and accountability for Ammar's untimely death, while cherishing the memories and legacy he leaves behind.
