Moroccan star Hakim Ziyech has responded to comments made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, in which the minister called for the killing of dozens of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip every night. Ziyech shared a sharp message on his Instagram stories.

Ziyech posted Ben-Gvir’s remarks—in which the minister called for targeted assassinations in Gaza and the elimination of 30 to 40 people nightly—and captioned it: “Palestinian lives are more valuable than yours.” This marks a new instance where the Moroccan player has declared his solidarity with Palestinians and rejected Israeli rhetoric inciting violence against them.

Ben-Gvir made these comments during a podcast conversation with Rom Braslavsky, an Israeli previously held in Gaza, while criticizing the slowing pace of Israeli strikes on the territory. The minister stated he believed in the necessity of carrying out targeted assassinations and killing 30 to 40 people every night, adding that this should not be limited to those posing an immediate threat. He described Palestinians as “not deserving of life” and “not human.”

International condemnation

Ben-Gvir’s comments have provoked international reactions. German opposition leader Friedrich Merz described the call as “inhumane” and contrary to international law, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot labeled the statements “unacceptable and inhumane.” Discussions have since begun in Europe regarding the possibility of imposing sanctions on the Israeli minister.

These remarks coincided with Ben-Gvir’s public calls for the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, the encouragement of mass emigration, and the establishment of Israeli settlements within the territory. In the same interview, he asserted that he views all of Gaza as belonging to Israel and argued that settlements should not be limited to the Gush Katif area, which was evacuated in 2005.

Long-standing standoff between Ziyech and Ben-Gvir

Ziyech’s recent message is not an isolated event. The confrontation between the Moroccan player and the Israeli minister dates back to last April, when Ziyech posted a photo on Instagram of Ben-Gvir celebrating the Knesset’s approval of a law related to the execution of Palestinian prisoners.

At that time, Ziyech questioned whether Ben-Gvir would justify the law’s passage as “self-defense.” This prompted the Israeli minister to attack the player, labeling him “antisemitic” and issuing a direct threat, vowing that Ziyech and those he called “antisemites” would not get away with it.

Al Jazeera later reported on the escalating confrontation between the two, noting that Ziyech has become a prominent voice supporting the Palestinian cause, while his positions have continued to draw sharp rebukes from Ben-Gvir.

Ziyech repeatedly pro-Palestine

Over the years, Ziyech has been known for his public support of Palestinians. His advocacy has extended beyond statements and social media posts; he has previously appeared at sporting events carrying the Palestinian flag and has consistently expressed support for the Palestinian cause while playing for clubs in Europe, Turkey, and Morocco.

In recent months, Ziyech has returned to the forefront due to his outspoken views on issues related to Palestine, particularly following his direct confrontation with Ben-Gvir regarding the legislation on executing Palestinian prisoners. His stances have generated widespread engagement in Morocco and across the Arab world. The confrontation has become one of the most prominent examples of a footballer moving beyond the boundaries of the stadium to engage in direct political and human rights debates.

Ziyech’s latest response comes amid rising international pressure regarding Ben-Gvir’s rhetoric. After his call to kill dozens of Palestinians daily sparked official condemnations in Germany and France, the minister continues to push for intensified military operations, displacement, and settlement in the Gaza Strip.

Featured image via the Canary

By Alaa Shamali

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