Story perspectives

Gaza Café Streams Spain-Argentina Final, Celebrating Madrid’s Recognition

7/21/2026

Summary

Zidan Powers Café

Haitham Zidan ran a makeshift Gaza café charging 10 shekels ($3.30) for the final, and after four power cuts asked viewers to unplug phones so electricity stayed on.
Palestinians cheered Spain’s 1-0 win over Argentina, waving flags because Madrid recognized Palestine in March 2024.
Ambassador Husam Zomlot posted July 19 congratulations, and player Adnan al-Afifi organized screenings despite shortages and destroyed stadiums.

Summary

Sánchez Urges Suspension

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged the EU on 30 April to suspend its association agreement with Israel.
Spain pledged €75 million in Palestinian aid, banned arms exports to Israel, and in 2025 restricted military shipments, limited settlement dealings, and recalled its ambassador.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video accepting an Argentine shirt and declaring Israel’s support for Argentina, while Argentine officials said the win opposes a Palestinian state.

History

Historical Context

On 13 September 1993 Israel and the PLO signed the Oslo I Accord, granting limited self-rule in Gaza and Jericho and prompting a series of follow-up accords—including the 1994 Protocol on Economic Relations and the 1995 Oslo II agreement witnessed by EU representatives. Spain’s 2024 call to suspend the EU-Israel association agreement echoes Oslo’s precedent of linking aid to political conditions.

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Zidan Powers Café

Haitham Zidan ran a makeshift Gaza café charging 10 shekels ($3.30) for the final, and after four power cuts asked viewers to unplug phones so electricity stayed on.
Palestinians cheered Spain’s 1-0 win over Argentina, waving flags because Madrid recognized Palestine in March 2024.
Ambassador Husam Zomlot posted July 19 congratulations, and player Adnan al-Afifi organized screenings despite shortages and destroyed stadiums.

1 / 3