Egypt coach uses World Cup briefing to speak out for Palestinians
Hossam Hassan said concern for Palestinians was a human duty before Egypt’s round-of-16 match against Argentina.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan used a World Cup news conference on Monday to call attention to Palestinians, days after he held a Palestinian flag following Egypt’s win over Australia. Reuters and The Associated Press reported that his remarks came before Egypt’s round-of-16 match against defending champion Argentina.
Hassan had been asked about football matters, including Lionel Messi and Egypt’s chances in Tuesday’s game, but spent more than four minutes speaking about Palestinians, according to the agencies. Many reporters in the room applauded after he spoke.
“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.
Flag gesture followed Australia win
Hassan’s comments followed Egypt’s penalty-shootout victory over Australia in the round of 32 on Friday. After that match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, he carried the Palestinian flag and dedicated the win to Palestinians, according to the report.
Asked what led him to make that gesture, Hassan described it as a human response. He said people in Europe and the United States speak out when animals are harmed, while the deaths of large numbers of people in Gaza have become treated as routine.
“It has become normal to hear that two or three thousand people die in a single day because of a missile,” Hassan said.
Al Jazeera reported that Israeli attacks in Gaza have continued despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. It said at least 73,066 Palestinians, including at least 20,179 children, have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, and that at least 463 people, including 157 children, have died of starvation.
Al Jazeera also reported that more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza are largely displaced and living among ruins. The outlet described Israel’s campaign in Gaza as genocidal.
Egypt faces Argentina for quarterfinal place
Hassan tied his appeal to football’s global platform, saying his message was about respect for people’s right to live. He referred to FIFA’s slogan calling for respect and said the issue was not confined to religion or nationality.
“Regardless of religion… I am a human before being Arab or anything else,” Hassan said. “My message, through football, is this: Please, just as FIFA’s slogan calls for respect among us, I hope there will be respect for people’s right to live.”
Egypt would reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time if it beats Argentina. Hassan acknowledged that his team is not favored against the holders and Messi, but said Egypt would not be intimidated.
“We know we are playing against the World Cup holders and one of the greatest players ever [Messi], but we do not fear them,” he said.
Hassan said Egypt also felt it was carrying wider expectations beyond its own supporters. “We have a responsibility towards Egypt and the Arab world and Africa. We represent all of them,” he said.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.