In Gaza, Fans Celebrate Spain’s World Cup Victory
Thousands of people in Gaza gathered to watch and celebrate Spain’s victory over Argentina in the World Cup final on July 19. Throughout the tournament, Palestinians consistently supported the Spanish team, viewing it as a natural alignment given Spain’s expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The screenings were organized by Mohamed al-Wahidi, director of the Egyptian Committee in Gaza, who was recently killed in an Israeli strike, but his initiative continued.
The celebrations offered a brief respite for residents of the Gaza Strip, who have faced ongoing hardship. Spanish actor Javier Bardem also met with Palestinian fans during the World Cup and voiced his support for Gaza.
The support for Spain extended beyond simply wanting a winner. It represented a connection to a nation publicly sympathetic to their situation. The future remains uncertain for the residents of Gaza, but for a moment, football provided a shared experience of joy and solidarity.
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