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Spain PM Pedro Sanchez defends Lamine Yamal after Israeli minister Israel Katz condemns his Palestinian flag gesture, highlighting rising Spain Israel tensions over Gaza war
Lamine Yamal holds a Palestinian flag (AP)
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has defended Lamine Yamal after the young Barcelona star faced criticism from Israeli officials for waving a Palestinian flag during the club’s La Liga title celebrations earlier this week.
The 18-year-old winger was seen holding the Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s open-top bus parade through the city on Monday as the Catalan club celebrated winning back-to-back league titles. The gesture quickly sparked political debate, with Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz accusing the Spain international of promoting hostility against Israel.
Katz criticised the teenager on social media, claiming Yamal had chosen to “incite hatred” against his country. “I hope a great and respected club like Barcelona distances itself from these remarks and makes it unambiguously clear that there is no place for incitement or support for terrorism,” Katz wrote on X in Spanish.
Sanchez, who has repeatedly criticised Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and previously described the conflict as a “genocide”, firmly rejected those accusations while defending the footballer’s right to express solidarity with Palestine.
“Those who think that waving the flag of a state is ‘inciting hatred’ have either lost their minds or have been blinded by their own disgrace,” Sanchez posted on X.
Spain PM’s Reaction
The Spanish Prime Minister also praised Lamine Yamal’s gesture, adding: “Lamine just expressed the solidarity with Palestine that millions of Spaniards feel. Yet another reason to be proud of him.”
The incident has further highlighted the growing tensions between Spain and Israel since the Gaza war began following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply, especially after Spain formally recognised a Palestinian state in 2024.
Meanwhile, Yamal’s support for Palestine has resonated strongly in Gaza. According to reports, artists at a refugee camp in the war-ravaged territory painted a mural showing the Barcelona star waving the Palestinian flag.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick also commented on the matter, admitting he “didn’t like” the gesture but respected the player’s personal choice. “If he wants to do it, it’s his decision,” Flick said.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Barcelona, Spain
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