Palestinians in Gaza Create Sand Tribute to Hossam Hassan

Palestinian artist Mohammad Toutah has created a sand sculpture honouring Egypt national team coach Hossam Hassan on a beach in Gaza City following Egypt's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The sculpture bears the words, "Hossam Hassan. The conscience of humanity," recognising the coach's public expressions of solidarity with Palestinians during Egypt's World Cup campaign. Egypt's tournament came to an end with a 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16.

The tribute also comes days after the killing of Mohamed Fawaz al-Wahidi, Director of Public Relations for the Egyptian Relief Committee in Gaza, in an Israeli drone strike in Gaza City's Sabra neighbourhood. Al-Wahidi had helped organise public screenings of Egypt's World Cup matches for displaced Palestinians and was killed shortly before the Argentina match began. Three others, including two children, were also killed in the strike.

Hassan had repeatedly voiced support for Palestinians throughout the tournament. After Egypt's victory over Australia to reach the Round of 16, he waved a Palestinian flag on the pitch and dedicated the win to both the Egyptian and Palestinian people. Ahead of the Argentina match, he also used his pre-match press conference to draw attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.