Gaza Celebrates Spain's World Cup Win, Viewing Victory as Symbolic Against Israel

In a striking display amidst ongoing hardship, residents of Gaza erupted in cheers celebrating Spain's triumph over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final. This jubilation was fueled by a perception of Spain as a nation aligned against Israel, contrasting with Argentina's perceived support for the Zionist state.

International leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the State of Palestine, extended congratulations to Spain on their victory. Erdogan shared his warm wishes via social media, while Palestine's official X account posted celebratory images with Palestinian and Spanish flags.

The scenes in Gaza showed people jumping with joy, waving Spanish and Palestinian flags, and wearing Spanish jerseys. This celebration, occurring against the backdrop of suffering, was viewed by some as more than just a football match, but a symbolic victory representing a struggle of values, particularly given Spain's historical stance against Zionism and its players' public support for Palestine.

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I wholeheartedly congratulate the Spanish National Team on their victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026, and I convey my greetings and warm wishes, on behalf of my country and nation, to the friendly Spanish people.