Guardiola Reveals Gaza Conflict Deeply Affects Him at University Ceremony

On Tuesday, Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Manchester. In his acceptance address, he took the opportunity to speak about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The violence escalated following an attack on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants seized 251 hostages and resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians. Since then, Israeli military actions have reportedly claimed over 54,000 Palestinian lives, with a significant portion being non-combatants, as stated by health officials in Gaza.

“What we are witnessing in Gaza is deeply distressing. It pains me to my core,” Guardiola expressed. “This issue transcends ideology. It isn’t about who’s right or wrong; it’s fundamentally about cherishing life and caring for one another.”

“We might think it’s not our concern when we see young children, just four years old, losing their lives to bombings or in hospitals that no longer function as hospitals.”

“But we must be cautious. The next generation of four- or five-year-olds could very well be our own. I apologise, but I can’t help but think of my children—Maria, Marius, and Valentina. Each morning since this nightmare began, as I see the infants suffering in Gaza, it fills me with fear.”

Guardiola was honoured for his significant contributions to the city, having led his team to six Premier League titles over nine years, as well as for his philanthropic efforts through the Guardiola Sala Foundation.

Receiving the honorary degree at Whitworth Hall, the 54-year-old Spaniard was presented with the accolade by the University’s Chancellor, Nazir Afzal.