UEFA Partners with Médecins du Monde to Deliver Aid to Children in Gaza
In a recent development, UEFA has declared its commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to children suffering in Gaza, collaborating with the international medical organization Médecins du Monde. This announcement comes shortly after Liverpool star Mohamed Salah publicly criticized UEFA’s response to the ongoing crisis in Palestine.
Mohamed Salah’s Bold Call for Accountability
The Egyptian forward did not hold back in condemning UEFA for its silence regarding the tragic death of the so-called “Palestinian Pelé,” who was reportedly killed by Israeli gunfire while waiting in line for food. Salah’s pointed question, “Will you tell us how he died? Where and why?”, sparked widespread attention and put pressure on the European football governing body to take a clearer stance.
UEFA’s Humanitarian Response Amid Rising Tensions
Following Salah’s public remarks, UEFA announced through its Foundation for Children that it will expand its humanitarian efforts to include Gaza. This initiative, carried out in partnership with Médecins du Monde, aims to deliver essential aid to children caught in the conflict zone. UEFA’s Foundation has a history of supporting vulnerable children in war-torn regions such as Ukraine, Sudan, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Afghanistan.
🕊️ The UEFA Foundation for Children is broadening its humanitarian outreach to assist children in areas affected by conflict.
New collaborations with @MdM_France, @MSF, and @HI_federation will provide critical support to children in Gaza.
💙 Because every child deserves safety, hope, and care.
Hope for Effective Aid Delivery
UEFA’s statement was accompanied by the message: “Because every child deserves safety, hope, and care.” While some observers question whether this move is a genuine effort or a response to recent criticism, the priority remains ensuring that humanitarian supplies reach those in desperate need in Gaza. With over 50% of Gaza’s population under the age of 18, the urgency for medical supplies, food, and psychological support is critical.
Contextualizing UEFA’s Role in Global Humanitarian Crises
UEFA’s expanded aid program reflects a growing trend among international sports organizations to engage in social responsibility initiatives. For example, in 2024, UEFA contributed over €5 million in aid to conflict zones worldwide, emphasizing the role of sport as a platform for positive change. This latest commitment to Gaza aligns with these efforts, highlighting the intersection of sports, politics, and humanitarianism.