Man City manager Pep Guardiola calls for urgent action to stop ‘Gaza genocide’

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken out strongly on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as a “genocide in real time” and urging people across the world to mobilise and pressure governments into action.

“We are witnessing a live, ongoing genocide in which thousands of children have already died and others may still perish,” Guardiola said in a statement. “The Gaza Strip is devastated, and masses of people wander without direction, without food, drinking water or medicines.”

He called on civil society, particularly through digital platforms, to take responsibility in pressing world leaders to intervene. “Only a cyber-urbanised society can save lives and pressure governments to act once and for all,” he added.

Guardiola also lent his support to a demonstration scheduled for October 4 at Jardinets de Gràcia in Barcelona, urging people to join in large numbers. “On 4 October at 12.00 pm we will flood the streets to demand an end to the genocide,” he said.

The Spanish coach, who has previously spoken out on political and social issues including Catalunyan independence and refugee rights, is among the few high-profile figures from the world of football to comment publicly on the Gaza conflict.