Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said on Monday that the suffering of Palestinians was a "shame on the world", urging the global football community to do more to support them.
"If there is someone who has not felt the suffering of the Palestinian people, then he or she has no humanity," Hassan said during a pre-match World Cup press conference in Atlanta.
"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 above all, a shame on decision-makers who leave human beings behind."
His remarks were met with applause from many journalists attending the press conference.
‘Use football as soft power’
Egypt's all-time leading goalscorer, Hossam Hassan, also called on FIFA, athletes and the media to use football as a platform to advocate for Palestinians.
"My message would be to use football as soft power," he said. "I urge all of you, the media, and athletes worldwide, regardless of your identities. Maybe we can convey a collective message: 'Let the Palestinian people be. Let them exist. Let them live a life of their own.' This is normal."
Israel's genocidal war on Gaza has killed more than 73,000 people, according to the territory's Health Ministry.
