DayofPal—Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan delivered a powerful humanitarian message in support of Palestinians during a FIFA World Cup 2026 press conference, using one of football’s biggest global stages to call attention to the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking ahead of Egypt’s Round of 16 clash against Argentina in Atlanta, Hassan departed from football-related questions to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, saying compassion for Palestinians transcends nationality, politics, and religion.
> “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 told reporters, drawing applause from many members of the media.
The emotional remarks came just days after Hassan dedicated Egypt’s historic penalty-shootout victory over Australia to the Palestinian people and raised the Palestinian flag on the pitch, a gesture that resonated widely across the Arab world and beyond.
Asked what motivated him to carry the flag, Hassan described it as “simply a human reaction,” stressing that the immense human suffering in Gaza should not be ignored.
“Everywhere in the world, if someone hurts an animal, people rush to defend animal rights,” he said. “Yet it has become normal to hear that thousands of people die in a single day because of a missile.”
Hassan emphasized that his message was rooted in shared humanity rather than politics, urging respect for every person’s right to live.
“Regardless of religion… I am a human before being Arab or anything else. 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,” Hassan said.
Since Israel’s genocide began in Gaza in October 2023, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, while the territory has been devastated by widespread destruction, displacement, and severe humanitarian conditions. Millions continue to face acute shortages of food, shelter, and medical care.
Despite his passionate appeal, Hassan remained focused on Egypt’s World Cup ambitions, insisting his team would approach reigning champions Argentina with confidence rather than fear.
“My dreams have no limits. My ambitions have no limits,” he said. “We know we are facing the World Cup holders and one of the greatest players ever, but we do not fear them.”
He added that Egypt carries the hopes of more than just its own supporters.
“We have a responsibility toward Egypt, the Arab world, and Africa. We represent all of them.”
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