Palestinian and Arab football fans welcomed Spain’s victory at Euro 2024 final on Sunday, which saw them crowned European champions for the fourth time in their history following their 2-1 win over England.
Palestinian fans flocked to cafes in occupied East Jerusalem to watch La Roja - as the Spanish side is known - take on England, as both teams vied for the coveted European trophy in the German capital Berlin.
The Spanish side’s victory was sealed by two goals from 21-year-old wonder-kid Nico Williams in the 47th minute, and Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored minutes before full time.
Madrid and the Spanish people have been strong supporters of the Palestinian cause throughout the war on Gaza and slammed Israel for its brutal assault on the enclave, which has cost nearly 39,000 lives.
Palestinians in Gaza facing fierce Israeli bombardments and dire conditions managed to forget about the war for 90 minutes by cheering on Spain as a thank you for their acts of solidarity over the past nine months.
Two brothers and avid footballs fans, Omar and Mohammed Ghayyad, told Al Jazeera on Sunday their support for the Spanish national team is amplified by Madrid's pro-Palestinian stance, amid Israel's nine-month-long onslaught in Gaza.
"Spanish fans love Palestine and their government’s position [on Gaza] has been honourable – that’s why I will support them," Mohammed told the Qatari network.
The brothers also called out the UK's "shameful" stance on Gaza, as it continues to provide military and political support for Israel.
Palestinians and Arab football fans, as well as pro-Palestine activists, also took to social media to congratulate the team, with many linking Spain's victory with being "on the right side of history".
In May, Spain formally recognised the State of Palestine in May, alongside Ireland and Norway, in a decision "essential for the peace process", Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said.
At least 38,664 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military in Gaza since 7 October as of Monday, with violence also intensifying in the West Bank, where at least 553 have also been killed.
Spanish officials and ministers have denounced Israel’s campaign in Gaza throughout the war, with many labelling it a "genocide".
The country also backed South Africa’s genocide case against Israel filed at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Additionally, several Spanish ports have refused to handle arms shipments intended for Israel, while many universities saying they are willing to suspend ties with Israel should any of the country’s higher educational institutions refuse to commit to peace.
Spanish football fans were also seen waving the Palestinian flag and chanting 'Free Palestine' amid celebrations on Sunday night in cities such as Malaga and Madrid.
