Mohamed Salah urges compassion for Gaza in emotional Christmas message

Liverpool's star forward, Mohamed Salah, shared a poignant Christmas message on Monday, directing attention to the plight of families affected by the conflict in Gaza.

In only his second comment on the war in the region, Salah posted a black-and-white image of a Christmas tree on his social media platforms, conveying his sombre feelings as the fighting in Gaza continues.

Expressing solidarity with those grieving for their loved ones, Salah acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasising the need for collective remembrance and compassion.

The conflict in Gaza, marked by intense bombardment since Hamas militants' cross-border actions on October 7, has left a devastating impact, with conflicting reports on casualties and hostages.

In Salah's message, he drew attention to the ongoing war in the Middle East, particularly the death and destruction in Gaza, urging his followers not to overlook the suffering of affected families.

With more than 63 million followers on Instagram and almost 19 million on another platform, Salah's message reached a vast audience, resonating with those concerned about the humanitarian crisis.

The footballer had faced criticism in Egypt for initially remaining silent on the conflict, prompting comparisons with other Arab sports figures who had been more vocal. In response to this, Egyptian Red Crescent officials revealed that Salah had made a significant donation to aid the people of Gaza in October.

Salah's Christmas message follows his earlier call for an end to what he described as "massacres" in Gaza. Less than two weeks after the conflict's onset, he advocated for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the region. 

Despite the sporting arena being his primary domain, Salah continues to use his platform to shed light on pressing global issues, emphasising the importance of empathy and not becoming desensitised to the suffering of others.

At 31 years old, Salah stands as one of the leading goal scorers in the English Premier League this season, combining his prowess on the field with a growing reputation for addressing social and humanitarian concerns.