In a surprising turn of events, a Turkish court has released pending trial an Israeli footballer who was detained after displaying a message on a bandage during a goal celebration. The bandage read “100 days. 07/10,” seemingly referencing the 100 days since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7. Sagiv Jehezkel, 28, who plays for Antalyaspor, showcased the bandage adorned with the Star of David, prompting Turkish authorities to call him in for questioning. He was later charged with “openly inciting the public to hatred and hostility,” according to Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc.
Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc condemned Jehezkel’s gesture, accusing him of supporting the “Israeli massacre in Gaza” and labeling it an “ugly gesture.” Tunc reaffirmed Turkey’s support for the oppressed Palestinians, denouncing what he described as an ongoing “genocide” in Gaza.
NTV television reported that a private plane was sent from Israel to pick up Jehezkel and his family, enabling their return home. Jehezkel, in his testimony to the police, stated that he did not intend to provoke anyone and clarified that he is not a pro-war individual. The bandage display was believed to be a reference to Israel’s 100 days of war in Gaza and the captives held by Hamas in the coastal enclave. Israeli authorities reported that the October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,140 people and the abduction of 250 others. In response, Israel launched a military campaign that has claimed the lives of at least 24,100 Palestinians and injured 60,834 others, with many still trapped under the rubble.
In the aftermath of the incident, Antalyaspor announced the suspension of Jehezkel, accusing him of acting against the values of their country. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) also condemned his behavior and supported Antalyaspor’s decision to exclude the player from the team.
The detention of Jehezkel has sparked outrage in Israel, with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett condemning the Turkish government. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a longstanding supporter of the Palestinian cause, has consistently labeled Israel as a “terrorist state” and referred to Hamas as a “group of liberators.”
In a separate incident, Basaksehir, Istanbul’s top-flight side, announced that it would be launching a disciplinary investigation into another Israeli player, Eden Karzev. The investigation was initiated after Karzev reposted a social media message about the hostages, reading: “Bring Them Home Now.”
This latest development adds to the ongoing tensions between Israel, Turkey, and their respective supporters. The release of Jehezkel pending trial raises questions about the limits of freedom of expression and the delicate balance between sports and politics. It remains to be seen how this incident will further shape the already complex dynamics in the region.
