By Sabiu Abdullahi
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has defended Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal after the footballer displayed a Palestinian flag during the club’s La Liga title celebrations.
Sánchez addressed the issue while speaking to journalists at a press conference. He explained Spain’s official position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and pointed out that the country had already recognised Palestine as a state.
“Spain has recognised the state of Palestine,” Sánchez stated. “From the very beginning, Spain condemned the attacks by Hamas, and later condemned the war being waged by the Israeli authorities in the Gaza Strip.”
The Prime Minister made the remarks amid growing public debate surrounding athletes and celebrities who openly express political opinions about the conflict in Gaza.
Sánchez maintained that Spain’s position remains focused on peace and diplomacy. He said the country continues to oppose violence from all sides while supporting efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful solution.
The comments followed criticism from some Israeli media outlets after Yamal waved the Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s celebrations for winning the Spanish league title.
Sánchez spoke during a joint appearance in Madrid alongside World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, where they also discussed the hantavirus situation in Spain.
