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Turkey
Sagiv Jehekzel, showing a writing on his wrist to the camera reading "100 days, 7.10" and an illustration of the star of David in support of Israel. Photo: AA
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Israel’s defense minister on Monday slammed Turkey for detaining an Israeli footballer who celebrated a goal during a Turkish Super League match by showing solidarity for Israel.
Anatalyaspor’s winger Sagiv Jehezkel, 28, celebrated his goal against Trabzonspor by showing a writing on his wrist to the cameras reading “100 days, 7/10,” along with an illustration of the star of David, showing solidarity for Israel. The writing refers to the Hamas attack on October 7 when 1,200 Israelis were killed while 240 people were taken hostage.
The chief prosecutor’s office of Antalya ordered the detention of Jehezkel following the match for “publicly inciting the people to hatred and hostility,” Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced on X.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday criticized Turkey for detaining Jehezkel on X, “When there was an earthquake in Turkey less than a year ago, Israel was the first country to stand up and extend aid that saved the lives of many Turkish citizens.”
“The scandalous arrest of the soccer player Sagiv Jehezkel is an expression of hypocrisy and ingratitude. Through its actions, Turkey serves as the executive arm of Hamas,” he added.
Israel has been engaged in a full-blown war in the Gaza Strip for over 100 days since October 7, killing over 24,000 Palestinians, many of whom are children.
Following the match, Antalyaspor released a statement on X, saying that Jehezkel “acted against the national values” of Turkey, and the club has decided to exclude him from the squad.
Jehezkel was later released pending trial, according to opposition news outlet Cumhuriyet.
Turkish state media, TRT Spor, reported on Monday that following interrogation at the prosecutor’s office, a decision was taken to deport the Israeli player. TRT Spor later removed the news.
In his statement at the police station, Jehekzel said “I did not do that move to provoke anyone. I am not a pro-war person. After all, Israeli soldiers have been captured in Gaza too. I am someone who believes that this 100-day period should end now. I want the war to end,” Cumhuriyet cited the footballer as saying.
In October, Jehezkel refused to partake in a moment of silence for the people in the Gaza Strip before a Turkish Super League match against Gaziantep. As a result, Antalyaspor left him out of the squad for a week.
On Monday, Turkish Super League club Istanbul Basaksehir also announced taking disciplinary measures against midfielder Eden Karzev for posting a picture on Instagram that is “against the sensitivities” of Turkey.
Anatalyaspor’s winger Sagiv Jehezkel, 28, celebrated his goal against Trabzonspor by showing a writing on his wrist to the cameras reading “100 days, 7/10,” along with an illustration of the star of David, showing solidarity for Israel. The writing refers to the Hamas attack on October 7 when 1,200 Israelis were killed while 240 people were taken hostage.
The chief prosecutor’s office of Antalya ordered the detention of Jehezkel following the match for “publicly inciting the people to hatred and hostility,” Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced on X.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday criticized Turkey for detaining Jehezkel on X, “When there was an earthquake in Turkey less than a year ago, Israel was the first country to stand up and extend aid that saved the lives of many Turkish citizens.”
“The scandalous arrest of the soccer player Sagiv Jehezkel is an expression of hypocrisy and ingratitude. Through its actions, Turkey serves as the executive arm of Hamas,” he added.
Israel has been engaged in a full-blown war in the Gaza Strip for over 100 days since October 7, killing over 24,000 Palestinians, many of whom are children.
Following the match, Antalyaspor released a statement on X, saying that Jehezkel “acted against the national values” of Turkey, and the club has decided to exclude him from the squad.
Jehezkel was later released pending trial, according to opposition news outlet Cumhuriyet.
Turkish state media, TRT Spor, reported on Monday that following interrogation at the prosecutor’s office, a decision was taken to deport the Israeli player. TRT Spor later removed the news.
In his statement at the police station, Jehekzel said “I did not do that move to provoke anyone. I am not a pro-war person. After all, Israeli soldiers have been captured in Gaza too. I am someone who believes that this 100-day period should end now. I want the war to end,” Cumhuriyet cited the footballer as saying.
In October, Jehezkel refused to partake in a moment of silence for the people in the Gaza Strip before a Turkish Super League match against Gaziantep. As a result, Antalyaspor left him out of the squad for a week.
On Monday, Turkish Super League club Istanbul Basaksehir also announced taking disciplinary measures against midfielder Eden Karzev for posting a picture on Instagram that is “against the sensitivities” of Turkey.
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