The streets of Gaza erupted in celebration following the Spanish football team’s World Cup victory, a moment that transcended sports due to Spain’s vocal support for Palestinian rights amid Israel’s backing of the Argentinian squad.
Gathering in cafes and outdoor settings, Palestinians embraced the excitement of the match, undeterred by the looming threat of Israeli strikes. They fervently cheered for a team that has won their hearts.
Many supporters waved Spanish flags in homage to Lamine Yamal, the young star who famously raised a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s La Liga victory celebrations in May.
“Whoever raises the Palestinian flag deserves to raise the World Cup,” declared the Gaza al-Irada amputee football team in a motivational video prior to the match.
Saadi al-Masri, 40, who leads the amputee team in Gaza, enjoyed the game alongside friends at a local café. “I support Spain because we see it as a country that stands with the Palestinian cause and supports Palestinian rights,” he remarked.
Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s staunchest critics of the conflict in Gaza, advocating for more robust European Union action against human rights infringements, including the potential suspension of a significant free trade agreement.
Following an attack from Israel’s defense minister on Yamal for his display of the Palestinian flag, which was described as “Lamine has only expressed the solidarity with Palestine that is felt by millions of us in Spain. Another reason to be proud of him,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez quickly defended the young player.
“Honestly, I felt like I was about to cry from happiness,”
he stated in a social media update.
Israeli support for Argentina was prominently showcased by Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has fostered a strong rapport with far-right President Javier Milei, even posting a message of good luck for the Argentinian team prior to the final.
The Palestinian mission to the United Nations marked Spain’s victory with an image proclaiming the team as “We see their support as a sign of humanity.”
Despite their enthusiasm, many fans in Gaza faced challenges in following the World Cup matches. Over two million Palestinians in the region reside in tent camps after Israeli assaults destroyed their homes, struggling with limited access to electricity and internet services.
Arkan al-Walaida, aged 23, resorted to visiting internet cafes each morning to catch match highlights, searching for brief videos on platforms like TikTok or FIFA’s official YouTube and Instagram channels.
Upon hearing of Spain’s victory on Monday, she was filled with emotion. “We were very happy when the final whistle confirmed Spain’s victory,” she shared. “We see their support as a sign of humanity.”
Al-Masri experienced the match in a crowded café, where the thrill of the game was palpable. “We were very happy when the final whistle confirmed Spain’s victory,” he said, but the fear of possible Israeli airstrikes prevented any late-night celebrations.
Earlier in July, an Israeli airstrike resulted in the death of Mohamed al-Wahidi, a Palestinian aid worker who organized World Cup match screenings in Gaza. The attack, which occurred just before the game between Egypt and Argentina, also claimed the lives of two young brothers aged eight and ten, as well as another man. The Israeli military acknowledged the strike but asserted it was not aimed at al-Wahidi.
