Salah also called for aid to be given to victims in Gaza after a blast at the al-Ahli Arab hospital which reportedly killed over 400 people
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has made an emotional plea for world leaders to ‘end the massacres’ and provide immediate humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Salah released a personal video message on social media in direct response to the horrific events in the Middle East. The Egyptian superstar is the highest-profile global sporting figure to speak out about the catastrophic aftermath of the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“It’s not always easy to speak in times like these,” said Salah. “There has been too much violence and too much heartbreaking brutality. The escalation in recent weeks is unbearable to witness. All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop. Families are being torn apart.
“What is clear now is that humanitarian aid to Gaza must be allowed immediately. The people there are in terrible conditions. The scenes at the hospital last night were horrifying. The people of Gaza need food, water and medical supplies urgently. I’m calling on the world leaders to come together to prevent further slaughter of all innocent souls. Humanity must prevail.”
The 31-year-old is a hero of the Arab world - a symbol who has become the most successful footballer to emerge from his region - and his iconic status has often seen him assume the role of ambassador. Egypt is a neighbouring country of Gaza and Israel.
Salah has a combined social media following of over 80 million on Instagram and Twitter. He has been deeply affected by the messages sent to him from those suffering or impacted by the tragic events.
This weekend, Salah will join top-flight players who will participate in a moment’s silence and wear a black armband to recognise the victims of those innocently caught up in the violence in the Middle East. The Premier League emphasised they are marking ‘the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza’.
An increasing number of high-profile players across the world have been compelled to speak out as the situation deteriorates. However, many have found themselves at odds with their clubs for doing so.
Former Aston Villa and Everton midfielder Anwar El Ghazi is currently suspended by his German club Mainz 05 for what they deemed to be ‘unacceptable’ social media posts in support of Palestine. Algerian footballer Youcef Atal was also reprimanded by a French club Nice for reposting an allegedly anti-semitic message.
Although Salah is speaking independently from the Liverpool hierarchy, the tone of his comments are intended to ensure they are viewed as humanitarian and not political.
