MADRID, Spain: A Pedro Sánchez Gaza mural prompted Spain’s prime minister to thank Layan Al Quaqa and local artists in a video message published on July 27.
Sánchez said Spanish society heard, saw and loved Gaza’s children and had not forgotten them. He also thanked Palestinians for showing affection towards Spain during what he described as a period of intense suffering.
The prime minister expressed hope that Gaza’s children could soon return to their classrooms, paint without fear and live in peace, according to Anadolu Agency.
Layan had recorded a message beside the artwork and asked for it to reach Sánchez and the Spanish public. Anadolu identified Layan, artist Obay Kareem and their friends as participants in the project.
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The group painted the mural on a wall among damaged buildings in Gaza. It depicts Sánchez between the Spanish and Palestinian flags and includes the trophy Spain won at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Onda Cero reported.
Layan later said she felt surprised and happy that the Spanish leader had responded to the video.
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Spain formally recognised the State of Palestine on May 28, 2024. At the time, Sánchez called for a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian access, the release of Israeli hostages and a two-state solution, according to the Spanish government.
