The ties between Spain and Israel have sharply declined since the onset of the Gaza conflict, triggered by the Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared on Thursday that Barcelona star Lamine Yamal made Spain feel «proud» by waving a Palestinian flag during a victory parade that led to Israeli claims of «incitement of hatred.»
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The 18-year-old striker attracted attention by openly displaying a Palestinian flag during an open-top bus celebration in Barcelona on Monday, as the Catalan club marked their second consecutive La Liga championship.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz criticized the Spanish footballer on Thursday, accusing him of choosing to «inflame hatred» against his nation.
«It is my hope that a respected and prominent club such as Barcelona clearly distances itself from these statements, making it evident there is no tolerance for incitement or backing of terrorism,» Katz wrote in a Spanish tweet on X.
Sánchez, who has been a vocal critic of Israel and described its harsh two-year war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza as a «genocide,» defended Yamal vehemently.
«Those who interpret the act of waving a state flag as ‘inciting hatred’ are either out of touch with reality or blinded by their own shame,» he posted on X.
«Lamine simply voiced the solidarity with Palestine shared by millions across Spain. This is another reason to feel proud of him,» Sánchez concluded.
Yamal’s show of support for Palestine, which holds broad sympathy across Spain, has also been noticed in Gaza.
In a heavily damaged refugee camp there, artists have painted a mural on ruined walls depicting Yamal holding the Palestinian flag, as confirmed by a journalist from AFP.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed that he «didn’t appreciate» Yamal’s gesture but accepted that «if he wishes to do it, it is his personal choice.»
Relations between Spain and Israel have deteriorated significantly since the Gaza war began, following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
After Spain officially recognized a Palestinian state in 2024, Israel recalled its ambassador, and subsequently Spain withdrew its chief diplomat from Tel Aviv in March.
Additional sources • AFP