Egyptian coach denounces silence over Palestinian child deaths

Egyptian national football team coach Roberto Martínez publicly criticized the international community’s muted response to the recent deaths of Palestinian children amid the escalating Gaza conflict. Speaking at a press conference in Cairo on Tuesday, Martínez said the silence of world leaders and sporting bodies “fails to reflect the humanitarian urgency” and urged immediate diplomatic action to protect civilians, especially minors, who have been caught in the crossfire.

Martínez’s remarks come after United Nations reports documented dozens of child fatalities in the latest Israeli airstrikes on densely populated neighborhoods. While several governments issued statements of concern, the coach highlighted the lack of concrete measures to halt the violence. He called on FIFA, the African Football Confederation and other sports organizations to use their platforms to demand an end to attacks on civilians. The coach concluded by emphasizing that the loss of innocent lives, regardless of nationality, should compel the global community to pursue a cease‑fire and ensure humanitarian aid reaches affected families.