Israel-Gaza war: Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah Calls For End To ‘Massacres’

Egypt and Liverpool footballer Mohamed Salah has called for an end to “massacres” in Gaza, saying humanitarian aid must immediately be allowed into the besieged Palestinian enclave.

The 31-year-old forward made his first comments on the deepening Israel-Gaza conflict on Wednesday amid growing outrage over the deaths of nearly 500 people in an explosion at the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City.

Palestinian authorities say the blast was caused by an Israeli air raid. Israel says the explosion was the result of a rocket launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) armed group misfiring. The PIJ has rejected the allegation.

“It is not always easy to speak in a time like this. There has been too much violence and too much heartbreak and brutality,” Salah said in a video posted to his 62.7 million followers on Instagram.

The footballer, who captains Egypt’s national team, had been criticised for not speaking up in defence of Palestinians, and some critics had started an online campaign to unfollow him on social media.

“The escalations 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.”A Champions League and Premier League winner with Liverpool, Salah is one of the most popular athletes in the Arab world.

JAZEERA