Egypt coach Hossam Hassan calls Palestinian suffering a “Shame on the World”
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Egypt national football team coach Hossam Hassan used a pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s Round of 16 clash against Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to deliver an impassioned appeal regarding the plight of the Palestinian people.
Speaking in Atlanta on Monday, Hassan described the ongoing suffering in Gaza and Palestine as “a shame on the world” and urged the global football community to leverage its influence for humanitarian aid.
Hassan’s remarks came in response to a question about his earlier display of a Palestinian flag following Egypt’s penalty shootout victory over Australia in the Round of 32.
He stated that anyone who fails to feel compassion for the Palestinian people lacks humanity, emphasizing a universal human duty that transcends nationality, religion, or ethnicity.
“If there is someone who has not felt the suffering of the Palestinian people then he or she has no humanity,” Hassan declared.
He highlighted the dire conditions faced by civilians, including the deaths of thousands of children and women, widespread disease, food scarcity, and the vulnerability of people living in tents to extreme weather.
The coach extended his criticism beyond the Arab world, asserting that the situation represents a collective failure of humanity and decision-makers worldwide.
“I would like to say this is a shame on us. A shame on the entire world, not just the Arab world, a shame on everyone and a shame on first of all decision makers who leave human beings behind,” he said.
Hassan called on football, described as the world’s “soft power,” to play a more active role in advocating for the Palestinian people.
He appealed to athletes and journalists globally to amplify the message: “Please let the Palestinian people live.”
The veteran Egyptian coach has consistently shown solidarity with Palestinians. Following Egypt’s historic advancement against Australia on July 3, he waved the Palestinian flag on the pitch amid chants of “Free Palestine” and dedicated the victory to both the Egyptian and Palestinian peoples.
