Egypt coach Hossam Hassan reaffirmed his support for the Palestinian people, calling for their right to live, after facing criticism from Israeli commentators for dedicating Egypt’s qualification for the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup to the Palestinians.
Speaking at a press conference on the eve of Egypt’s last-16 match against Argentina on Tuesday, Hassan was asked about dedicating Egypt’s victory over Australia to the Palestinian people and raising the Palestinian flag after the match.
Responding to a question from a Turkish journalist about whether he would renew his support for the Palestinians, Hassan said: “We welcome the Turkish people,” before adding: “Everyone has feelings, and if anyone in the world does not feel for the Palestinian people, they do not deserve to be human.”
He added: “If an animal is harmed in Europe or America, we see human and animal rights organisations take action. But when thousands of people, including children and women, are killed every day in Gaza, that does not happen, while an entire people are forced to live in tents through summer and winter.”
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