Noa Kirel Sparks Controversy in Spain Over World Cup Song Video

Israeli singer Noa Kirel has ignited a political controversy in Spain following the release of her new World Cup song video, in which she portrays a goalkeeper stopping penalty shots from a player wearing the Spanish national team jersey. This depiction was interpreted by some as a political jab amid tense relations between Israel and Spain, whose government is known for its pro-Palestinian stance.

Spanish-Moroccan sports journalist Leila Hamed criticized Kirel on social media, accusing her of propaganda against Spain and highlighting the strained Israeli-Spanish relations. Hamed also targeted Kirel's partner, Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, disparaging his football career and calling the situation embarrassing. She urged the Spanish Football Federation to intervene.

The criticism intensified with an article on the left-leaning Spanish website Público, which labeled the video as "propaganda from a failed state" aiming to "whitewash barbarism." The article interpreted Kirel's dance and choreography as metaphors for the killing of minors in Gaza and illegal occupation, concluding with a call for readers to be honest people unlike Kirel and the state she represents.

In response, Kirel posted on Instagram in Spanish, telling Spain to "calm down," and later shared a more conciliatory image of herself sitting on grass with Israeli and Spanish flags, alongside a large Argentine flag and a white ball painted with a dove and olive branch. Her caption read, "Viva España, viva Argentina y viva Israel!" expressing goodwill toward all three nations.

The controversy highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and cultural expression amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Israel and Spain.

Summary: Israeli singer Noa Kirel faced backlash in Spain over her World Cup song video depicting her stopping penalty shots from Spain's team, seen as a political provocation amid Israel-Spain tensions. Spanish media and journalists criticized her and her partner, goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, while Kirel responded with messages promoting peace and unity.

Points: - Noa Kirel's World Cup video sparked political controversy in Spain due to its depiction of stopping Spanish penalty shots. - Spanish-Moroccan journalist Leila Hamed accused Kirel of anti-Spain propaganda and criticized her partner Daniel Peretz. - Left-wing Spanish site Público condemned the video as Israeli propaganda and a metaphor for violence in Gaza. - Kirel responded on Instagram urging Spain to calm down and posted a message celebrating Spain, Argentina, and Israel. - The incident reflects broader Israeli-Spanish political tensions and the politicization of sports imagery.

Topic: politics

Entities: {"people":["Noa Kirel","Leila Hamed","Daniel Peretz"],"organizations":["Spanish Football Federation","Público"],"places":["Spain","Israel","Gaza","Argentina"]}