Sports world showing support for Palestine

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

Athletes, prominent figures and sports fans are showing support for Palestine and disdain for Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip.

Manchester United legend and former French footballer Eric Cantona questioned the world's attitude toward Israel on Tuesday.

"Is there anyone left to defend these criminals? Is there anyone left who would not condemn the criminals? Are there still states that still arm these criminals? Is there anyone left who would not call this a genocide? Is there anyone left who would not shed a tear in the face of such horror?" Cantona, 58, wrote on Instagram.

Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton demanded Israel stop its onslaught after a Rafah airstrike killed at least 45 civilians in a tent camp last weekend.

"Enough is enough. We cannot continue to watch this tragedy unfold and not speak up. The trauma and terror so many, but particularly innocent children, are experiencing is horrifying. This must stop - for the children, for their families, and for their lives," the 39-year-old Mercedes driver from the UK expressed his feelings Tuesday on Instagram.

Moroccan Hakim Ziyech and Turkish Kerem Akturkoglu, who both play for the Turkish football club, Galatasaray, showed support for Palestine during the 24th championship celebrations of the club on Monday.

Ziyech unfurled a Palestinian flag during the celebrations, while Akturkoglu wrapped a Palestinian keffiyeh around his wrist.

Akturkoglu published on his Instagram account on May 27, a picture of a hand engulfed in flames with the word “RAFAH” written across the image with the hashtag, "RafahOnFire."

Fans of the Scottish football club, Celtic, displayed support with Palestine flags along with a figure of a Palestinian child and a banner that read: "Our revenge will be the laughter of our children," during the Scottish Cup final against the Rangers on May 25.

Israel's nearly eight-month war on Gaza has led to more than 36,100 deaths in the war-torn coastal enclave and has injured over 81,100.