If you feel for Palestinians, it is because they deserve human sympathy, Hossam Hassan says. The Egyptian coach dedicated Egypt’s win against Australia to Palestine, even as he dedicated it to Egypt. He also waved the Palestinian flag.
Why Does the Egyptian Coach Feel for Palestinians?
Coach Hossam Hassan says Palestinians have suffered greatly at the hands of Israel, and he feels for them. Even before Israel joined the US in attacking Iran, Israel was already fighting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Moreover, now that a ceasefire is formally in place, attacks are continuing. Apparently, the October 2025 ceasefire means nothing to Israel, as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue their attacks on Gaza.
According to Gaza’s government media, Israel has violated the ceasefire over 3,000 times since last October. It has shot directly at Palestinians, attacked them from the air, and used artillery to attack them.
Despite the US insisting there is a ceasefire in Gaza, Al Jazeera’s report presents a contradictory reality. It shows that Israel has been attacking Gaza most days.
Mutual Respect between Egypt and Palestine
There is evidently mutual respect between Egypt and Palestine. As the Egyptian coach highlighted the Palestinian plight after Egypt’s 4:2 win over Australia, Palestinians were celebrating Egypt’s win.
Speaking to the media, Hossam Hassan termed the Palestinians killed in Gaza “martyrs”. Certainly, if Egypt defeats Argentina tonight, Palestinians, especially those residing in Gaza, will be thrilled.
Egypt’s Feel for Palestine Might Motivate His Team
Egypt’s win against Australia was its first win in the knock-out stage. The game at Dallas Stadium had ended in a 1:1 draw and had to be decided on penalties. Hence, the teams proceeded to a penalty shootout that resulted in Egypt’s 4:2 win.
Egypt saw how much excitement its win brought the Arab world, and it could motivate them to work harder.
Palestinians had a visible presence on social media as the 23rd World Cup progressed, and Egypt’s participation was one reason.
The Palestinian support of Egypt adds to the support the Pharaohs are receiving from African countries and the Arab world. If they defeat Argentina this evening, there will be immense jubilation across Africa. It will mean that Africa’s presence will be significant in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals.