Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended the gesture of footballer Lamine Yamal waving a Palestinian flag, in the face of criticism from Israel.

The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reacted in defense of FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal after he waved a Palestinian flag during the celebration of the title won by the team. The Israeli Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, accused Yamal of incitement to hatred, while Sánchez stated that the player's gesture reflects solidarity with Palestine, shared by millions of Spaniards.

In a post on X, Sánchez criticized the harsh reactions, saying that those who believe that waving the flag represents incitement to hatred are either lacking discernment or blinded by infamy. This dispute comes in a broader context, in which Spain has tried to end the association agreement with Israel, an initiative rejected by other European ministers. Yamal, at the age of 18, is expected to be a key player for the Spanish national team at this summer's FIFA World Cup.