Palestinians Celebrate Spain's World Cup Triumph Amid Risk of Attacks
People in Gaza gathered at cafes and outdoor screenings yesterday to celebrate Spain’s championship, a team they had grown to love for their support of Palestinian rights. The victory has been hailed not only as a football triumph but also as an affirmation of shared values amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.
Saadi al-Masri, 40, and captain of Gaza's amputee football team, was among those cheering on the national side in a cafe. “I support Spain because we see it as a country that stands with the Palestinian cause and supports Palestinian rights,” he explained.
Even amid risks, Palestinians took to supporting Spain during their final World Cup game against Argentina, where 18-year-old Lamine Yamal brought attention to his homeland by waving a Palestinian flag.