Hamid Hamdan cites ‘principles and dignity’ for Palestine absence

Palestine international Hamid Hamdan says he did not join the national team during the November international break because of issues involving “principles and dignity”.

Palestine are due to face Iran in a friendly on Saturday, but Hamdan, who plays for Pyramids, will not be part of the squad.

Writing on Instagram, Hamdan said: “It is a great honour and a long-held dream of mine to represent our national team, raise the name of our country high and wear its flag on my chest with pride and dignity.

“Everyone knows that, in the past, I sacrificed a great deal to represent the national team. I did so willingly, driven by my love and belonging to my beloved country and homeland.

“So how could I now refuse to represent it for unconvincing reasons, as some people are trying to portray the situation?”

Hamdan said his decision not to join the current camp was based on clear and serious concerns.

“My apology for not joining this camp was not because of weak or unconvincing reasons,” he added. “Everyone knows the truth about my position and its causes. They are clear, explicit and valid reasons connected to principles and dignity that cannot be bargained over or compromised.”

He said those values were particularly important to the Palestinian people.

“These are principles that we, as the Palestinian people, are proud of,” Hamdan said. “We are a people who do not accept having our dignity diminished or our worth undermined.

“As for Palestine, my love for it is not something anyone can question or use for point-scoring, and it never will be.”

Hamdan also rejected suggestions that his position had been misrepresented.

“All my love, respect and appreciation to all of you,” he said. “But I reject any attempt to distort my image or misrepresent the truth of my position.

“I had to clarify this, so that matters would not become confused or my position be understood in a way that does not reflect the truth.”