Hawzah News Agency- Palestinians and the Basque have long shared political sympathies, with both involved in nationalist struggles for independence.
The two teams celebrated side by side, arms around each other, on the San Mames pitch in front of more than 50,000 spectators.
"It's difficult to coach when your mother lives in a makeshift tent. I come from Gaza'', Palestinian coach Ehab Abu Jazar told AFP.
"We lost nearly 200 people in my family. My house was destroyed - but representing Palestine is the greatest honour there is''.
Supporters also unveiled images of Suleiman al-Obeid, the former captain of Palestine’s national team, who was killed by Israel in Gaza.
Prior to the match, thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets in support of Gaza, highlighting historic ties of solidarity between Basque and Palestinian nationalism.
The Spanish government has been one of the most overtly critical governments in Europe with regard to Israel since the beginning of the war in October 2023.
In May 2024, Spain - along with Ireland and Norway -recognised Palestine as a state, while Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has publicly described Israel's assault on Gaza as a genocide.
Source: MIDDLE EAST EYE
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