ANKARA – Manchester United legend and former French footballer Eric Cantona questioned the world’s attitude toward Israel on Tuesday, saying: “Is there anyone left to defend these criminals,” and not to call this “genocide”, Anadolu Agency reported.
“Is there anyone left to defend these criminals? Is there anyone left who would not condemn the criminals? Are there still states that still arm these criminals? Is there anyone left who would not call this a genocide? Is there anyone left who would not shed a tear in the face of such horror?” Cantona, 58, wrote in an Instagram post.
An Israeli airstrike on Rafah on Sunday, which killed at least 45 Palestinians and injured 250 more, was widely condemned by the international community, as well as the foreign ministers of three European countries, emphasising the urgency of a permanent ceasefire and a two-state solution.
Israel has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7 last year.
Cantona, who is known for supporting Palestine, played over 180 games for Manchester United from 1992 to 1997.
He is a five-time winner of England’s top division. He won four Premier League titles with Manchester United and a First Division title with Leeds United in the final season before its rebranding to the Premier League.
Cantona won the French top division in 1989 and 1991 with Olympique Marseille.
He retired from football in 1997 when he was 30-years-old. – May 29, 2024