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🇪🇬 Egypt /Culture & Society

Israeli Media Outraged by Egypt Manager's Palestine Tribute

From Egypt Independent · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Israeli media reacted with anger to Egypt's national team manager Hossam Hassan raising the Palestinian flag and dedicating a World Cup victory to Palestinians.
  • Media outlets viewed the gesture as a political challenge violating FIFA rules, especially given Egypt's peace treaty with Israel.
  • The act sparked joy in Gaza, where residents celebrated the Egyptian team's win amidst destruction, seeing it as a moment of hope.

Israeli media circles erupted in anger following Egypt's national football team manager Hossam Hassan's decision to raise the Palestinian flag and dedicate a victory to the Palestinian people. The gesture was widely interpreted as a political statement that crossed the boundaries of sports, drawing sharp criticism from Israeli news outlets.

FIFA Rules Violation

— Channel 12Describing the Israeli media's view of Hossam Hassan raising the Palestinian flag.

Channel 12 reported that Hassan, who led Egypt to its first-ever World Cup Round of 16 appearance, used the platform to display the Palestinian flag and express solidarity with Gaza. The channel cited this as a "FIFA Rules Violation," arguing that Hassan raised the flag of an "entity" not participating in the tournament. This action reportedly caused resentment, particularly given the existing peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.

Meanwhile, scenes of jubilation unfolded in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians emerged from damaged homes and tents to watch the match. They celebrated the Egyptian team's victory, with some children seen waving Egyptian flags. A Gaza resident described the moment as "a moment of life amidst the destruction," highlighting the smiles and cheers that filled the air.

My heart and soul are with the Palestinians. I dedicate this victory to both the Egyptian and Palestinian peoples, describing them as “good and generous people.”

— Hossam HassanStated after the match, as reported by Yedioth Ahronoth.

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth noted that Hassan chose to "exploit the global platform" to show solidarity with Palestinians. Following Egypt's historic qualification, Hassan stated his heart was with the Palestinians, dedicating the win to both Egyptian and Palestinian peoples, whom he called "good and generous." His words reportedly resonated across the Arab world and social media.

A moment of life amidst the destruction.

— Gaza residentDescribing the atmosphere in Gaza during the Egyptian team's victory celebration.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Egypt Independent in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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