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Mural in Gaza
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez responded to a Gaza children’s mural that Palestinian youths painted on a wall of a building heavily damaged during Israel’s attacks, depicting Sánchez alongside the Spanish and Palestinian flags and imagery referencing the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tribute began after a young Palestinian girl identified as Layan shared a video on social media, saying, "Hello, Spain. I'm Layan from Gaza. Today we painted the portrait of Spain's prime minister on a wall in Gaza,".
Sánchez later shared a video of himself watching the tribute and thanked the young artists for their gesture, while expressing hope that Gaza’s children would soon be able to return to school and paint freely without fear.
In the account carried by Anadolu Ajansı, Sánchez reaffirmed Spain’s support for the Palestinian people in a message that included, "The whole of Spanish society hears you, sees you, cares about you, and does not forget you,".
The mural’s visibility was described as growing after Layan’s video circulated, with the artwork framed as a gesture thanking Spain for its outspoken support of Palestinians during the “genocidal attacks.”
Sánchez’s message
In his response, Sánchez thanked Layan and the artists for what he called a “beautiful gesture,” and he said he was “deeply grateful to the Palestinian people who have shown their affection for Spain throughout this difficult period.”
Sánchez told the children and families of Gaza, "Even amid so much suffering, you have made us feel your love," and he added that “The Spanish people hear you, they see you, they love you and they have not forgotten you.”
Onda Cero likewise described Sánchez’s reply as telling Layan that “in the midst of so much pain, you have found a moment to send us your affection,” and it said he assured Gaza’s children they could return to painting in schools without fear.
The same Onda Cero account reported that Sánchez sent a “big hug from Spain” to the entire Palestinian population, after thanking the girl and the artists who created the mural.
Al Jazeera’s write-up also quoted Sánchez’s message to Layan, including the line, "We hear you, we see you, we love you, and we haven't forgotten you."
Solidarity and stakes
The story was framed as an exchange that traveled from Gaza to Spain’s political leadership, with the mural described as a message of love and peace between the two peoples and an emphasis on bonds of solidarity and hope.
“Spain ‘cares about you’: Sanchez thanks Palestinian girl for painting mural of him in Gaza 'The whole of Spanish society hears you, sees you, cares about you, and does not forget you,' Sanchez says İlayda Çakırtekin 27 July 2026•Update: 27 July 2026 Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday shared a video on social media thanking a Plestinian girl and local artists for painting a mural of him in Gaza, reaffirming Spain's support for the Palestinian people”
In the account from جريدة آخر الأخبار, Sánchez said Palestinians had shown “love and loyalty to Spain” despite difficult circumstances, and he expressed hope that Gaza’s children would return to their schools soon to draw and learn “without fear.”
Al Jazeera’s report positioned the mural as celebrating “the friendship between Spain and Palestine,” while also presenting Sánchez’s message as a direct address to Layan and to “all the boys and girls of Gaza.”
Daily Sabah added that Spain has repeatedly called for an immediate cease-fire, greater humanitarian access and renewed efforts toward a two-state solution, placing Sánchez’s mural response within a broader posture toward the war.
Across the coverage, the mural’s imagery tied the tribute to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the artwork and the message described as referencing the tournament while Sánchez expressed hope for a future of peace for Gaza’s children.
