Egypt's head coach Hossam Hassan made a powerful statement regarding the plight of the Palestinian people during a news conference on July 7, 2026. As his team prepares for a pivotal round-of-16 World Cup match against Argentina, Hassan dedicated their recent victory to Palestinians and emphasized the need for global empathy.
Hossam Hassan's passionate plea for Palestine
In an emotional address, Hassan stated, "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." His remarks came during a press briefing where he spoke for over four minutes about the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians amidst the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
Hassan's comments follow a devastating report indicating that Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 73,066 Palestinians, including 20,179 children, since the conflict escalated on October 7. He highlighted the stark reality that more than 2 million Palestinians are now displaced, living in dire conditions.
Waving the Palestinian flag: A human reaction
After Egypt's victory against Australia, Hassan waved the Palestinian flag, describing it as "simply a human reaction." He criticized the world’s indifference to the ongoing violence, noting that while animal rights garner significant attention, the loss of human life is often overlooked.
“Everywhere in the world, including in Europe or America, if someone hurts an animal, we see animal rights being defended and the whole world reacts,” he said. Hassan's heartfelt message resonated with many in attendance, earning him applause from the media.
Egypt's ambition in the World Cup and responsibility to the Arab world
As Egypt gears up to face the reigning World Cup champions, Hassan expressed his aspirations for the team. “My dreams have no limits. My ambitions have no limits,” he stated. He emphasized that Egypt aims to reach the quarterfinals for the first time, positioning the team as a significant force in the tournament.
Despite acknowledging that they are not the favorites against Argentina, Hassan asserted, “We are no underdogs. We’re big in every respect. We are a civilization that is 7,000 years old.” He underscored the responsibility his team carries, not only for Egypt but for the entire Arab world and Africa.
Hassan concluded his address by reiterating the importance of respect for human life, stating, “I hope there will be respect for people’s right to live.” With the match against Argentina approaching, all eyes will be on Hassan and his team as they seek to make history.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
