Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has strongly condemned the suffering of the Palestinian people, calling it a'shame on the world' and urging the football community to take action. Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Atlanta, Hassan made the remarks after Egypt's Pharaohs beat Australia on penalties to reach the World Cup last 16, where they will face defending champions Argentina.
Passionate Plea for Humanity
'If there is someone who has not felt the suffering of the Palestinian people then he or she has no humanity,' Hassan said. 'I would like to say this is a shame on us. A shame on the entire world, not just the Arab world, a shame on everyone and a shame on first of all decision makers who leave human beings behind.'
Call to Action for Football Community
Hassan went on to call for FIFA and players to take a more active stance for the Palestinian people. 'My message would be to use football as soft power,' he added. 'I urge all of you, the media, all athletes worldwide, regardless of their identities maybe we can convey a collective message. That is as follows: 'let the Palestinian people be, let them exist, let them live a life of their own'. This is normal.'
Context of the Conflict
Israel's recent military campaign in Gaza has reportedly killed more than 73,000 people, according to the territory's health ministry, which operates under Hamas authority and whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations. Earlier, a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. They also took 251 hostages to Gaza.
Why This Matters
Hassan's passionate plea highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine and the global responsibility to address it. His call for the football community to use its influence to support the Palestinian people underscores the potential of sports as a platform for advocacy and change.
