Sheffield United's Hamza Choudhury helps raise over $130,000 for Gaza children

• All proceeds from the initiative are directed to the charity "Children Not Numbers," which funds medical aid for injured children 
• Choudhury stated that "silence empowers oppression" and stressed that athletes have a fundamental duty as role models
• Choudhury auctioned the match-worn shirt from Leicester City's 2021 FA Cup final victory, during which he celebrated by displaying the Palestinian flag

Sheffield United midfielder Hamza Choudhury helped raise more than $130,000 at a charity gathering in London dedicated to providing emergency medical treatment for children across the Gaza Strip.

The proceeds generated from the benefit are designated for "Children Not Numbers," a humanitarian initiative working on the ground to secure pediatric medical intervention and critical healthcare support for injured youth amidst devastated medical infrastructure in the besieged enclave.

In an interview with Al Jazeera at the event, Choudhury spoke openly about the moral obligation of prominent figures to speak out during humanitarian crises.

"Silence basically empowers oppression, you know. So the oppressors win by us keeping quiet," Choudhury said. "Like I say, it’s our duty as role models, as we find ourselves role models whether you like it or not, to use your voice for a good cause."

Reflecting on his upbringing, the 29-year-old footballer credited his family for instilling principles centered on standing up for vulnerable populations.

"I feel like it's my duty as a Muslim, as a human, to not be able to stand by and help and do what I can do to help... and that's raise awareness, raise funds ultimately to be able to go and help the children that are suffering out in Gaza," Choudhury stated. "My family have got a very strong iman (faith), and justice is a big part of that. They taught me that as a kid to stand up for injustice... and they educated me on the matter whilst I was young, and it's something that stuck with me."

To support the fundraising total, Choudhury donated and auctioned the shirt he wore during Leicester City’s historic FA Cup final win over Chelsea at Wembley in 2021.

Choudhury famously draped himself in the Palestinian flag on the pitch during the post-match celebrations that year to highlight the plight of Palestinians.

The charity drive comes as United Nations figures indicate that 'Israeli' military operations have killed at least 20,000 children and injured upwards of 44,000 in Gaza since October 2023, leaving thousands in acute need of specialized medical care and life-saving surgery.