Israel y Palestina, en el Mundial: Netanyahu banca a Argentina mientras Gaza celebra las victorias de España

Israel and Palestine find themselves intertwined with the World Cup narrative as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports Argentina while Palestinians in Gaza celebrate Spain’s victories. The political landscape has been further complicated by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which continues to draw international attention despite efforts to downplay its severity. In recent weeks, football matches have sparked spontaneous celebrations even in areas devastated by conflict, such as the Gaza Strip. On Tuesday, content creators shared footage of a crowded square in Gaza where locals celebrated Spain’s 2-0 victory over France in the first semifinal of the World Cup. A Palestinian influencer named Mahmoud Salhi was heard saying, “Long live Spain, today you are champions.” Shortly after, the Gazan football team Al Irada joined the festivities, posting a message on social media that praised Spain’s success and highlighted how football brings people together beyond borders. They expressed hope, resilience, and respect, wishing Spain more victories. Since two years ago, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has consistently advocated for recognizing Palestine as a state. In a speech before Congress, he stated, “It is time to move from words to action, to tell the Palestinians that we stand with them, that there is hope. That no matter how many peoples are bombed, the land and identity of Palestine will continue to exist in our hearts, in international legality, and in the project of a world in harmony.” Since then, Spain's stance against the ongoing genocide in Gaza has grown stronger, even as European Union partners have hesitated to label the situation as genocide or shown reluctance in taking decisive action. During this period, the Palestinian government has thanked Spain for its position and encouraged other allies to follow suit. This diplomatic alignment has become evident in public spaces. The support for the Spanish team among Palestinians is bolstered by more than just foreign policy. Earlier this year, during the Barcelona league celebrations, Barcelona star Lamine Yamal displayed a Palestinian flag from his bus. The image was later replicated in murals depicting destroyed buildings in Gaza and prompted a sharp response from Israel, which accused the player of supporting terrorism. This context frames the upcoming final between Spain and Argentina. Dana Erlich, Israel’s acting ambassador in Spain ahead of the final, spoke to elDiario.es about the complex relationship between the two nations. She acknowledged differences with the Spanish government but emphasized the importance of maintaining open channels of communication, especially amid disagreements. “We are in a difficult moment,” she said. “That said, we know how to distinguish between the government and the broader Spanish society. Israel maintains a close and deep connection with Spanish society across various fields. My responsibility as a diplomat is to keep the bridges and dialogue open, even more so when there are disagreements.” Erlich criticized Spain’s growing initiatives and statements aimed at condemning, isolating, or punishing Israel. She argued that these actions do not improve conditions for either Palestinians or Israelis nor contribute to stability or coexistence. While she did not comment directly on the World Cup, her remarks underscore the tension between national interests and international diplomacy. As the final approaches, the interplay between sports, politics, and global solidarity continues to shape the narrative around the tournament.