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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Sports

World Cup Joy Unites Gaza Amidst Conflict, Coach Dedicates Win to Palestinians

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Despite the ongoing conflict, football is providing a rare source of joy for Palestinians in Gaza, with World Cup 2026 matches drawing large crowds.
  • Matches featuring Arab teams, especially Egypt, have garnered significant attention, with celebrations erupting after Egypt's historic qualification to the knockout stage.
  • Egypt's national team coach, Hossam Hassan, publicly dedicated the victory to the Palestinian people, emphasizing solidarity and humanitarian connection.

In the midst of war, the roar of the crowd watching the 2026 World Cup is echoing through Gaza, offering a much-needed respite and a rare moment of collective joy for Palestinians. Despite the devastation, football matches have become eagerly anticipated events, transforming shelters and even makeshift viewing areas among the rubble into vibrant hubs of activity.

My heart and soul are with the Palestinian people, and the joy of this achievement extends to our Arab brothers.

— Hossam HassanEgypt's national team coach Hossam Hassan expressed his solidarity with the Palestinian people after their World Cup qualification.

Large gatherings have been documented in displacement centers and tents, with families and children closely following the games. The presence of Arab teams, particularly Egypt, has captured the imagination of Gazans. Victories by the Egyptian national team, the "Pharaohs," have ignited widespread celebrations, with Egyptian flags being raised and cheers filling the air, providing fleeting moments of happiness against the backdrop of a war-torn reality.

Egypt's historic qualification to the knockout stage after defeating Australia was met with particularly fervent celebrations in Gaza. International and Arab media captured scenes of jubilation, reflecting the deep connection forged between the Palestinian people and the Egyptian team throughout the tournament.

What the Palestinian people, especially children, women, and the elderly, are going through cannot be ignored by any human being.

— Hossam HassanHossam Hassan emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the Palestinian issue during a press conference.

Adding a powerful layer of solidarity, Egypt's head coach, Hossam Hassan, personally amplified this connection. After the match, he was seen carrying the Palestinian flag, later dedicating the team's victory to the Palestinian people. In a press conference, Hassan reiterated his support, stating his stance was rooted in humanity rather than politics, and emphasizing that the suffering of Palestinians, especially the vulnerable, cannot be ignored by any conscientious person.

The Palestinian issue is not a religious or national issue, but a humanitarian issue that touches the conscience of the world.

— Hossam HassanHossam Hassan described the Palestinian cause as a matter of universal human conscience.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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