Ben Gvir Threatens Wydad Star Hakim Ziyech After His Criticism of Palestinian Prisoner Execution Law

Moroccan star Hakim Ziyech, a player for the Wydad Athletic Club football team, has sparked widespread controversy after publicly criticizing Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, over a new law allowing "the execution of Palestinian prisoners."

The crisis erupted after Ziyech posted on his Instagram account a photo of Ben Gvir celebrating the passage of the law, with the caption: "Will Ben Gvir claim this time too that passing the new law is merely self-defense?"

The Israeli minister responded sharply, accusing Ziyech of "antisemitism" and threatening him by stating: "Israel will no longer deal cautiously with its enemies... Since I took office, the prisons have changed."

Against the backdrop of the controversial law, the Israeli Knesset passed the "execution" law on March 30 with a majority of 62 members of parliament, a law that raises international human rights concerns over the fate of more than 9,500 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, including women and children, who endure harsh conditions including starvation and medical neglect, according to reports by Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations.

Moroccan star Hakim Ziyech has received broad support in Morocco in the wake of the Israeli threats, as Morocco's Justice and Development Party declared its full solidarity with Ziyech, describing his stance as "humane, bold and courageous," and affirming that his defense of Palestinian prisoners reflects the position of "free Moroccans" who reject aggression and forced displacement since the 1948 Nakba.

Observers believe that the resonance of Ziyech's stance, both athletically and among the public, poses a diplomatic and media challenge to Ben Gvir, who attempted to undermine his position through direct accusations and threats.