Egypt: Egyptian and Liverpool footballer Mr. Mohamed Salah has urged for an end to “massacres” in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need to permit humanitarian aid into the blockaded Palestinian territory.
The 31-year-old forward shared his first thoughts on the escalating Israel-Gaza conflict on October 18, 2023, as global concern grows over the tragic loss of nearly 500 lives in an explosion at Gaza City’s al-Ahli Arab Hospital.
Palestinian authorities claim the explosion resulted from an Israeli air raid, while Israel contends it was caused by a misfired rocket from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) armed group. The PIJ has denied this accusation.
“It is not always easy to speak in a time like this. There has been too much violence and too much heartbreak and brutality,” Mr. Salah said in a video posted on Instagram.
The footballer, who leads Egypt’s national team, faced criticism for not speaking out in support of Palestinians. Some critics even started an online campaign to unfollow him on social media.
“The escalations in recent weeks are unbearable to witness. All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop, families are being torn apart,” Mr. Salah said.
Gaza has been under siege since October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters initiated a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in around 1,400 casualties and the capture of others. In response, Israel declared war, subjecting the population of 2.3 million in Gaza to continuous bombardments. The attacks have led to the confirmed deaths of approximately 3,480 Palestinians.
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