South Korean footballer Son Heung-min, who captains both Tottenham Hotspur and the South Korean national team, has issued an urgent appeal for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. In a video released by the World Food Programme (WFP), Son directly addressed the escalating hunger crisis in the war-affected enclave.
In a message delivered in Korean, Son stated: “In Palestine, many families and children are suffering from extreme hunger.” His appeal comes amid reports of catastrophic hunger levels and rising malnutrition cases in Gaza, with harrowing images of emaciated residents circulating across social media and news channels.
The WFP video featured testimonies from Palestinians detailing their suffering, emphasizing the severe impact of Israel’s ongoing siege, which has largely prevented aid deliveries since March.
Son continued his message: “I am fighting against hunger all over the world with WFP. Supporting food for many families is like giving life to them in places where there’s lots of starvation. The best gift you can give is food. Please donate now,” he urged.
Praise from Football Fans
Son Heung-min has garnered considerable praise on social media for his direct intervention and willingness to address the starvation crisis in Gaza. Many football fans and pro-Palestinian activists have highlighted a perceived silence from some of the sport’s biggest stars regarding the conflict, making Son’s public stance particularly notable.
Last year, the 33-year-old footballer had also publicly commended the Palestinian football team’s spirit after South Korea was held to a 1-1 draw in the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At the time, Son remarked: “I want to give a round of applause to the Palestinian team. Seeing them work so hard, even in difficult conditions, is something I think we can learn from.” His latest appeal through the WFP further underscores his engagement with humanitarian issues in the region.
