A Mural Becomes a Message of Hope
What began as a child’s drawing on the rubble of a destroyed home in Gaza turned into an international moment of solidarity, after Spain’s prime minister personally responded to the young artist behind it.
From Gaza’s Ruins to Madrid’s Response
Less than a week after young Layan al-Qawqa shared a video of herself standing before a mural depicting Pedro Sánchez — painted alongside another artist on the wall of a bombed-out house — the Spanish prime minister posted his own video reply, thanking her and all Palestinians who found a moment amid their suffering to express warmth toward Spain.
In a gesture that captured widespread attention, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recorded a personal video message to a young girl from the Gaza Strip named Layan al-Qawqa, after she painted a mural of him amid the rubble of a destroyed building as an expression of Palestinian affection for Spain.
The story began less than a week earlier, when Layan shared a video of herself standing in front of a mural she had helped paint on the wall of a bombed home in Gaza, depicting the Spanish prime minister. In her message, she said she hoped the image would reach Sánchez and the Spanish people, whom Gazans “love very much.”
Madrid’s response came quickly. On Sunday, Sánchez posted a video on his official Instagram account addressing Layan directly: he thanked her and the artists for the gesture, and extended his gratitude to Palestinians who, “amid all this pain,” found a moment to send their affection to Spain.
He added a message aimed at Layan and all of Gaza’s children and families, saying the entire Spanish public hears them, sees them, and holds them in their hearts. He expressed hope that children in Gaza would soon be able to return to drawing in their schools without fear, and that they would one day live in peace — closing with “a big hug to you all, from Spain.”
Sánchez’s response deeply moved the young girl, who posted a follow-up video expressing her astonishment and joy, saying that although they don’t share a language, they share “the same compassionate hearts,” and that it was the first time she had seen a head of government respond to someone from Gaza.
The exchange was no coincidence — it coincided with Spain’s national team being crowned champions of the 2026 World Cup, an event that became a rare source of joy in Gaza and an occasion for residents to express their gratitude. Many Gazans said their support for “La Roja” began at the start of the tournament, citing the stances of Spanish players — most notably Lamine Yamal — who raised the Palestinian flag on various sporting occasions, leaving a deep impression.
The warmth between Gaza and Madrid is rooted in firm Spanish political positions, chief among them Spain’s historic move in May 2024, when it joined Ireland and Norway in formally recognizing an independent Palestinian state. At the time, Sánchez stressed that the recognition aligned with UN resolutions and was not directed against any party, affirming that Spain would not recognize any change to the 1967 borders without a direct agreement between Israelis and Palestinians, and reiterating that a two-state solution remains the only credible path to lasting peace.