Anyone who disobeys the Palestinian people is not human: Egyptian Educator Hassan | World Cup 2026 news

Hossam Hassan uses his FIFA World Cup press conference to raise awareness of the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has reiterated his support for Palestine a few days after dedicating his team’s victory in the World Cup to the Palestinian people and waving their flag at the biggest sporting event in the world.

Hassan took a break from discussing his team’s upcoming round of 16 match against Argentina to discuss the plight of the Palestinian people on Monday.

“If there is anyone in the world who does not listen to the Palestinian people, it is not the people – whether they are Arabs, Europeans, or Americans,” Hassan said. He spoke for more than four minutes on the matter and was applauded by many media outlets that had gathered.

Israel’s offensive across Gaza continues to kill Palestinians, despite the long-standing “cease” between Israel and Hamas. Israel has killed at least 73,066 people, including at least 20,179 children, in Gaza since the start of the genocidal war on October 7. At least 463 of them have died of starvation, including 157 children.

More than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, mostly refugees and living in the slums, are facing uncertainty following the Israeli massacre.

Hassan was asked what prompted him to wave the Palestinian flag after his team’s shootout win over Australia on Friday, and he replied that it was “personal”.

“Everywhere in the world, including Europe or America, if someone harms an animal, we see animal rights being protected and the whole world takes action,” said Hassan. “It has become unusual to hear that two or three thousand people die in one day because of missiles.”

The killing sparked pro-Palestinian protests around the world, with athletes, including Spain’s Lamine Yamal, showing their support.

While Hassan answered questions about Lionel Messi and his team’s chances against their opponents, he also spoke deeply about the Palestinian people.

“Regardless of religion… I am a human being before I am Arab or anything else. My message, through football, is this: Please, as FIFA’s words demand respect among us, I hope there will be respect for people’s right to live,” said Hassan.

With a win over Argentina, Egypt will reach the quarterfinals for the first time.

“My dreams have no limits. My ambitions have no limits. I promise that we will do everything to fulfill their (fans’) expectations,” said Hassan. “We are not humble, we are great in all aspects.

Hassan admitted that his side did not like Tuesday’s game, but insisted he was not fazed by it.

“We know we are playing against players who have a World Cup and one of the greatest players (Messi), but we are not afraid of them.

“(The) position makes us think about ourselves and what we can do on the field,” he added.

“We have a responsibility to Egypt and the Arab and African countries. We represent them all.”