Gazans celebrate Spain's World Cup victory

Palestinians in Gaza celebrated Spain's World Cup victory, with many gathering at cafes and outdoor screenings to support a team they said had shown solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

According to The Guardian, people waved Spanish flags and praised teenage footballer Lamine Yamal, who displayed a Palestinian flag during Barcelona's La Liga title celebrations in May.

Ahead of the final, the Gaza al-Irada amputee football team released a video message backing Spain, saying: "Whoever raises the Palestinian flag deserves to raise the World Cup."

Spain has been one of Europe's strongest critics of Israel's military campaign in Gaza and has called for stronger European Union action over human rights violations.

After Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz criticised Yamal for displaying the Palestinian flag, accusing him of "inciting hatred", Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended the player, saying the gesture reflected the solidarity many people in Spain feel towards Palestine.

Israeli support for Argentina was led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who posted a message wishing the team luck before the final.

The Palestinian delegation to the United Nations marked Spain's victory by sharing an image of the team with the caption "world champions".

The Guardian reported that many Gazans faced difficulties following the tournament because of displacement, damaged infrastructure, and limited access to electricity and the internet. Fear of Israeli airstrikes also prevented large public celebrations.

Earlier this month, an Israeli strike killed Palestinian aid worker Mohamed al-Wahidi, who had organised public screenings of World Cup matches in Gaza. The strike also killed three others, including two children. The Israeli military confirmed carrying out the strike but said al-Wahidi was not the intended target.