Israeli Backlash Grows Over Moroccan Footballer Ziyech’s Pro-Palestine Comments

A lively controversy erupted on social media following the publication of a video by Moroccan footballer Hakim Ziyech, commenting on incidents that occurred during a Europa League match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv last Thursday.

The former Ajax player, now at Galatasaray, ironized about the flight of Israeli supporters after clashes with Dutch police in Amsterdam, adding: "Palestine will remain free." His remarks, deemed provocative by some, triggered a wave of criticism in Israel, notably from Eran Zahavi, a Maccabi Tel Aviv player, who called on the European Union to sanction Ziyech for "support for terrorism."

Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters are accused of having caused trouble by tearing and tearing a Palestinian flag in the streets of Amsterdam and uttering anti-Arab insults. The Dutch police made numerous arrests to end the violence that followed the 5-0 victory by Ajax.

Faced with the controversy, many Internet users have defended Ziyech, known for his commitment to the Palestinian cause. Last September, he had already expressed on Instagram his opposition to normalization with Israel.

"When it’s not about women and children, you see them fleeing quickly, and Palestine will remain free," Ziyech said in his Instagram story, fueling tensions between the two camps.