Israeli footballer arrested in Turkey for showing solidarity with hostages during match

Israeli footballer Sagiv Jehezkel has been arrested by Turkish authorises after he made a gesture in show of solidarity with the 136 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza after scoring a goal. 

Jehezkel, who plays for Antalyaspor in the best league in Turkey, scored an equaliser against Trabzonspor. After celebrating, Jehezkel pointed to his wristband where the text “100 days. October 7,” was written, in a show of solidarity with the hostaged who have been held in Gaza over 100 days.

On Monday, Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that an investigation had been launched against Jehezkel.

“A judicial investigation has been initiated by Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office against Israeli football player Sagiv Jehezkel for ‘inciting people to hatred and hostility’ due to his ugly gesture supporting Israel’s massacre in Gaza after scoring a goal in the Antalyaspor-Trabzonspor Super Lig match,” Tunc said.

The president of Antalyaspor Turkish club, Sinan Boztepe, also lashed out at the Israeli footballer, saying he “acted against the sensitivities of Antalya, Antalyaspor and our country.”

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) also condemned jehezkel, saying: “We condemn the completely unacceptable behavior of footballer Sagiv Jehezkel during the match between Antalyaspor and Trabzonspor played today (…) and find Antalyaspor’s decision to exclude the player from its team appropriate.”

The highly controversial move by Turkish authorities was immediately criticised in Israel, with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett tweeting a photo of Jehezkel’s celebration with the caption: “This is Turkey 2024. Shame on you, Turkish government.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry and Culture Ministry are currently working to release Jehezkel, according to Israeli media.