London: Argentina superstar and UNICEF goodwill ambassador Lionel Messi expressed grief over the deaths of children in Gaza where a month of fighting has claimed nearly 1,900 Palestinian lives. He urged for an end to the ‘senseless’ cycle of violence in the region.
“As a father and a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, I am terribly saddened by the images coming from the conflict between Israel and Palestine, where violence has already claimed so many young lives and to injure countless children,†Messi, who has nearly 68,000,000 Facebook followers, wrote both in English and in Arabic.
“Children did not create this conflict, but they are paying the ultimate price. This cycle of senseless violence must stop. We must reflect on the consequences of military conflicts and children must be protected.â€
Messi wrote on his official Facebook page, which has been liked by 68,043,913 fans as of Friday.
Comments in reaction to Messi’s post ranged from those shocked that an international superstar would support Palestinians to expressions of support for his message.
“How you can support Arab terrorist organization,†one person wrote in reference to the Palestinian movement Hamas, labeled a terrorist group by the US.
Some showed gratitude for the footballer’s message, saying “Thanx Leo… Free Palestine†and “Messi I love my live.â€
Earlier, in August 2013, FC Barcelona including Messi went to Israel for a two-day ‘peace tour’ with Israeli and Palestinian children.
The visit was originally to have included an exhibition match between Barcelona and a joint Israeli-Palestinian Authority team of professional players, but the game was canceled after the Palestinians objected to playing alongside Israelis.