Egypt coach says compassion for Palestinians is a matter of humanity

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan used his pre-match press conference on Monday to express strong support for the Palestinian people. - Agencies

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan used his pre-match press conference on Monday to express strong support for the Palestinian people, briefly shifting attention away from his team's upcoming FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against defending champions Argentina. 

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's knockout match, Hassan delivered an emotional statement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, saying compassion for Palestinians transcends nationality, religion and politics.

"If there is anyone in the world who does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they are not human — whether they are Arab, European or American," Hassan said.

The Egypt coach, who waved a Palestinian flag following his team's victory over Australia in the previous round, spoke for more than four minutes and received applause from many journalists attending the press conference.

Hassan said the world often responds strongly to cases of animal cruelty but has become desensitized to the large-scale loss of human life.

"I am a human before being Arab or anything else," he said. "Through football, my message is simple: just as FIFA calls for respect among people, I hope there will be respect for people's right to live."

The conflict in Gaza began after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel's subsequent military campaign has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, while much of the enclave has been devastated and millions displaced.

Expressions of solidarity with Palestinians have become increasingly visible in international sport, with several athletes publicly showing their support. FIFA has permitted the display of the Palestinian flag during the World Cup.

Turning to football, Hassan said Egypt are fully focused on creating history against Argentina.

"My dreams have no limits. My ambitions have no limits," he said. "We will do everything to meet the expectations of our fans. We're not underdogs. We're a great nation with a civilization that goes back more than 7,000 years."

Egypt will face Argentina on Tuesday, with a place in the World Cup quarterfinals at stake. A victory would send the African side into the last eight for the first time in the tournament's history. - Agencies