'Mission and a message'- Palestine football team shine in Spain

"We are here on a mission. Our message to the whole world is this - put pressure on this occupation to stop this genocide."

These were the words by Palestinian national team coach Ehab Abu Jazar ahead of Saturday's night friendly against the Basque Country in Bilbao, Spain to raise awareness and money for Gazans following the two-year offensive by Israel, in response to Hamas's cross-border attack on October 7, 2023. 

His players may have lost 3-0, but it was mission accomplished with over 50,000 fans inside the San Mamés Stadium, home to La Liga team Athletic Bilbao.

"There were no empty seats, it was just amazing," said Palestine midfielder Ahmad Alqaq. "It shows how important the cause is for both the Basque people and Palestinians. 

"At the end of the day it is a political game. It all means something. It's about sending a message to not just people in Europe, but all over the world about what's going on in Palestine and how we've advanced so much."

Palestinian support

As seen during the pro-Palestinian protests that heavily affected cycling's Vuelta a Espana Grand Tour this summer, there is heavy support for them in the region and the fans were in full voice during their first match in Europe at the weekend.

They are 98th in the FIFA rankings, and their dream of playing in their first World Cup vanished this summer in the third round of the Asian qualifiers.

Most of the Palestinian players have never set foot in Gaza. Some play in Qatar, Chile, Iceland and the US. They are the last representatives of Palestinian football, devastated after the offensive from Israel, described as genocide by the Spanish government.

Since then, there has been no league, no functioning clubs, and hundreds of athletes have been injured or killed, including the country's most famous footballer, Suleiman Al-Obeid, nicknamed the 'Palestinian Pele'.

The Palestine Football Association said he was killed when Israel attacked civilians waiting for humanitarian aid.

Despite the fragile ceasefire which began on October 10, the Palestinian team coach highlighted the ongoing challenges still facing civilians.

"Death continues in Gaza to this day, famine continues in the Gaza Strip, and there is no shelter," added Abu Jazar.

"We are telling the entire world - apply as much pressure as you can on this occupation, because in Palestine there is a people who deserve a state and a dignified life. "We want to live with dignity and independence."

The players are hoping this charity match will help encourage the international community to fight for lasting peace and recognition of a Palestinian state.

"This is the most important thing - giving a voice to Palestinians who don't have one, and raising funds to help humanitarian organizations," said defender Yaser Hamed, born in Bilbao and trained at Athletic Bilbao.

"This money will help a lot, especially in rebuilding hospitals and delivering medicines."