Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza, saying the Palestinian people have been “abandoned” by the international community.
The Spanish coach made the remarks during a radio interview on RAC1 on Monday, reflecting on the humanitarian crisis in the region. He expressed deep concern for civilians, including children, parents, and the elderly, who continue to face violence and destruction. Guardiola also questioned why the term “genocide” is often avoided and emphasized that he knows no one who could justify the killing of innocent people.
Guardiola highlighted the role of global leaders in responding to the crisis, naming figures such as Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Vladimir Putin. He argued that political inaction has left civilians vulnerable, particularly when one side wields overwhelming military power while the other remains defenseless.
The comments were made ahead of the ACT x Palestine charity friendly between Catalonia and Palestine, scheduled for Tuesday at Barcelona’s Lluis Companys Stadium. Over 25,000 tickets have been sold, with proceeds going to humanitarian aid and reconstruction projects in Gaza.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, approximately 70,000 Palestinians have died since the attacks on October 7, 2023. Guardiola described the match as more than symbolic, noting that it sends a message of global solidarity and care for the affected population.
“This game shows Palestinians that part of the world is aware of their suffering and stands with them,” the former Barcelona manager said, emphasizing the importance of both awareness and humanitarian support.
