A BANNER reading ‘Destroy Israel’ has been unfurled by cheering crowds during a world-famous bull run in northern Spain, sparking controversy amid the festival celebrations.
Videos from the event show the banner hoisted above the heads of pro-Palestine demonstrators during San Fermin – a week-long festivity during which live bulls are released through the streets of Pamplona.
The banner, which also featured a crossed-out Israeli flag beside its controversial slogan, bore the initials ‘EHKS’ at its bottom.
These refer to the far-left socialist organisation that forms part of the Basque Socialist Movement (Euskal Herriko Kontseilu Sozialista).
Footage also shows the crowd throwing around an inflatable watermelon, a symbol which is often associated with the pro-palestine movement.
The video, which has since gone viral on social media, prompted strong reactions from users, with some expressing pride in ‘[Pamplona’s] solidarity with Palestine’, while others described the stunt as ‘hateful’.
The European Jewish Congress criticised the protesters on X (formerly Twitter), adding: “Such rhetoric promotes hatred, fuels hostility and contributes to an environment in which antisemitism is increasingly normalised.”
In recent years, the city of Pamplona has not shied away from expressing its stance on the international conflict.
The town’s mayor, Joseba Asiron, has previously been a vocal supporter of the pro-Palestine movement.
At last year’s festival, Asiron invited the activist group ‘Yala Nafarroa con Palestina’ to fire the ‘chupinazo’ — the traditional rocket that marks the start of the July festival.
Speaking previously about the decision, Asiron said: “What we are witnessing right now in Palestine is a genocide, and the message that the people of Pamplona are giving is one of solidarity, not politics.”
No comment has been made by Pamplona authorities regarding this year’s demonstration specifically.
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