Manchester City’s Guardiola Calls for Global Attention to Gaza Crisis

Manchester: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on the world not to ignore the suffering in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign and blockade of the region.
“It’s so painful, what we see in Gaza. It hurts me all over my body,” the Spanish coach said during a speech at the University of Manchester, where he was awarded an honorary degree on Monday.
“This isn’t about ideology or who's right or wrong. It’s about the love of life, the care for your neighbour,” he said.
Guardiola was honoured not only for his exceptional achievements in football with Manchester City but also for his philanthropic efforts through the Guardiola Sala Foundation. However, the university’s website did not mention his remarks on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 54,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed during the 20- month- long conflict. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
“Maybe we think seeing four- year -old children killed by bombs or dying in hospitals that no longer function isn’t our business,” Guardiola said. “But be careful. The next child could be ours. When I see what’s happening to kids in Gaza, I think of my own children, Maria, Marius, and Valentina. And I’m scared.”
The war was triggered by Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and 251 hostages were taken. Hamas is believed to still hold 55 hostages, more than half of whom are presumed dead.
Israel has imposed heavy restrictions on aid entering Gaza, including food, fuel, and medicine. While Israel claims Hamas diverts aid for its own purposes, experts warn the blockade has pushed Gaza to the brink of famine.
Guardiola closed his speech with a parable: “There’s a story I’m reminded of often. A forest is on fire. All the animals flee, terrified, helpless. But one small bird flies back and forth to the sea, carrying drops of water in its beak. A snake laughs and says, ‘Why bother? You can’t put out the fire.’ The bird replies, ‘I know. I’m just doing my part.''
The war has devastated much of Gaza, displacing nearly 90% of its population and leaving them almost entirely reliant on international aid.