Spanish PM defends Barcelona star Lamine Yamal over Palestine flag

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez defended Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal after Israel’s defense minister accused the 18-year-old of “inciting hatred.” Sanchez said Yamal expressed the solidarity with Palestine felt by millions of Spaniards, calling it “another reason to be proud of him.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez voiced his support for Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal on Thursday, following criticism from Israel’s defense minister over the teenager’s public display of solidarity with Palestinians.
Sanchez hits back at Israeli minister
In a post on X, Sanchez responded to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s accusation that Yamal was “inciting hatred against Israel.” Sanchez wrote that those who consider waving a state’s flag as “inciting hatred” have “either lost their judgment or been blinded by their own ignominy.” He added: “Lamine has only expressed the solidarity with Palestine felt by millions of Spaniards. Another reason to be proud of him.”
Flag-waving during Barcelona celebrations
The 18-year-old Spain international was seen waving a Palestinian flag as Barcelona’s team toured the city’s streets during celebrations attended by approximately 750,000 people. Images of the gesture quickly went viral, drawing both praise and criticism. Türkiye has consistently supported the Palestinian cause and the right of individuals worldwide to express solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza and the West Bank.
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