Egypt coach Hossam Hassan calls for empathy with Palestinians

Egypt's national football coach Hossam Hassan has used his platform to passionately advocate for the Palestinian people. Ahead of his team's match against Argentina, Hassan delivered an extended address, calling for empathy and support for those suffering in Palestine.

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If someone does not feel their suffering, they have no humanity.

"If someone does not feel their suffering, they have no humanity," Hassan declared, emphasizing that everyone should feel for those experiencing injustice. He drew a contrast between the comfort of having shelter during rain and the dire situation in Palestine, stating, "We all have a face, a visage, but here everyone turns a blind eye."

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We all have a face, a visage, but here everyone turns a blind eye.

Hassan, a prominent figure in Egyptian football, stressed that his call for support transcends religion or ethnicity. "I am, above all, a human being, beyond my nationality," he stated, advocating for the use of football as a soft power tool. "Let the Palestinian people have their own life. We want fair play in life," he demanded.

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I am, above all, a human being, beyond my nationality.

This is not the first time Hassan has spoken out. Following Egypt's victory over Australia in a penalty shootout, he displayed a Palestinian flag and offered congratulations to "our Palestinian brothers and sisters." While Palestine has never qualified for the World Cup, its symbols have appeared at the tournament, notably during Qatar 2022. Now, Hassan has brought the issue to the forefront in the United States, an ally of Israel, where the Palestinian flag has been less visible.

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Let the Palestinian people have their own life. We want fair play in life.