Turkey Frees Israeli Soccer Star Held for Gaza Protest

An Israeli football player, Sagiv Jehezkel of Antalyaspor, was conditionally released by a Turkish court after being detained for displaying a message about the Israel-Hamas conflict during a match, as reported by DHA news agency.

Jehezkel, 28, showed a bandage with the inscription “100 days. 07/10” alongside the Star of David after scoring a goal in a game against Trabzonspor. This act led to his detention for questioning in Turkey. He explained to the police that his intention was to call for the cessation of the war, referencing the date, October 7, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel and hostages were taken.

The Turkish Justice Minister, Yilmaz Tunc, indicated that Jehezkel might face charges for allegedly inciting public hatred and hostility. Tunc criticized the player’s action as support for what he termed as the “Israeli massacre in Gaza.”

Jehezkel’s gesture sparked controversy in Turkey, where there is significant opposition to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and strong sympathy for the Palestinians. His club, Antalyaspor, suspended him and is considering terminating his contract.

During interrogation, Jehezkel refuted claims of provocation. As quoted by DHA, he expressed his desire for the end of the 100-day conflict and the war. He emphasized his apolitical stance and respectfulness since arriving in Turkey, underscoring his message was about ending the war.

The Turkish Football Federation criticized Jehezkel’s action, describing it as offensive to the Turkish public’s sentiments. In Israel, his detention caused a backlash, with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett expressing strong criticism of the Turkish government’s actions.