Rabat – Football international Hakim Ziyech’s stance on Palestine has drawn a direct response from Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, escalating a public exchange that has moved well beyond football.
The latest flashpoint came after the Moroccan international reacted to Israel’s newly approved death penalty law targeting Palestinian prisoners.
Ziyech shared an image on his Instagram story of Ben-Gvir celebrating the vote in the Knesset and questioned whether the decision would again be framed as “self-defense.”
Ben-Gvir responded and called Ziyech “antisemitic” and rejected any criticism outright. In comments reported by Israeli and regional media, he went further, warning that “Ziyech and all other antisemites will not escape.”
Israel’s parliament passed the controversial law on March 30 by a 62-48 vote. It sets death by hanging as the default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts. Critics, including the UN human rights office, say the law is discriminatory and undermines due process.
Ziyech’s consistent position
Ziyech’s position on Palestine is not new. The 32‑year‑old, now playing for Wydad after spells at Ajax, Chelsea, Galatasaray, and Al‑Duhail, has been consistent in his support for Palestinians.
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Since the start of Israel’s genocidal campaign on Gaza on October 7, 2023, Ziyech has used his social media platforms to speak about Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) bloody massacres against Palestinians.
In October 2023, he posted one of his earliest messages backing Palestine, pairing it with a quote about oppression and media narratives.
Months later, he reacted again after footage from the occupied West Bank circulated online, condemning Israel’s actions and urging continued public pressure. He also criticized governments that he believes enabled the situation.
Ben-Gvir’s comments have drawn scrutiny in part due to his own record, which includes a past conviction for incitement against Arabs and ties to an extremist movement banned in Israel.
