Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah on Wednesday called for an end to violence between Israel and Hamas, saying humanitarian aid must be immediately allowed into the besieged Palestinian territory of Gaza.
Salah released a video message on his social media account, making his first comments on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war after being criticized in his home country, Egypt, for remaining silent on the issue for more than a week.
Gaza’s Health Ministry says at least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed and 12,065 wounded in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza since October 7, the day the Palestinian militant group Hamas stormed Israeli cities, killing more than 1,400 people and taking hundreds hostage.
United States President Joe Biden visited Israel on an urgent mission to keep the Israel-Hamas war from escalating into a wider regional conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Wednesday night that limited humanitarian aid would be allowed into Gaza from Egypt following a request from Biden.
“It is not always easy to speak at a time like this, there is too much violence and too much heartbreaking brutality… All life is sacred and must be protected,” said Salah.
“The massacre must stop; families are torn apart. What is clear now is that humanitarian aid to Gaza must be allowed immediately. The people there are in terrible condition.”
Many Egyptian football fans have criticized Salah over the past week, saying that he should have spoken up for the Palestinians.
Some started an online campaign to stop following him on social media.
Criticism directed at the 31-year-old increased as an explosion at a hospital in Gaza killed hundreds of Palestinians on Tuesday.
Hamas and Israel blame each other on who is responsible.
“The scene in the hospital last night was horrible. The people of Gaza are in dire need of food, water, and medical supplies,” added Salah.
“I call on world leaders to unite to prevent further massacre of innocent souls. Humanity must win.”
