DOHA, Qatar (AP) Its a rare moment in the Middle East when the publics voice roars louder than those of the governments. But Moroccos surprise string of wins at the World Cup in Qatar have stirred a joy and pride among Arab fans that have, at least for a moment, eclipsed the regions many political divisions.

Perhaps most striking is the love fest between Palestinians and the Moroccan team, despite the Moroccan governments normalization of ties with Israel as part of the 2020 Abraham Accords.

The Moroccan team waved a Palestinian flag after its victory over Spain last week, thrilling Palestinians. Throughout the tournament, the Palestinian flag has been unfurled all over, carried by Arab fans and some non-Arabs so much so that the running joke is that Palestine is the 33rd team at the World Cup.

Palestinians see it as a sign Arab public support still runs strong for their cause even as they feel Arab governments have abandoned them, with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan also normalizing ties with Israel.

I didnt expect this. Its spreading the word and showing that Palestine is not just a political issue, its a human issue, said Ahmed Sabri, a young Palestinian in Doha after watching Moroccos win over Portugal on Saturday. He had the Palestinian flag draped over his back.

His Egyptian friend, Yasmeen Hossam, wrapped in a Moroccan flag, said, This is the first World Cup in the Middle East and the first one FOR the Middle East.