Sagiv Jehezkel was arrested in Turkey for dedicating his goal to Israeli hostages held by Hamas 

Israeli footballer Sagiv Yekhezkel, who plays for Antalyaspor in Turkey’s Super League, faced a tumultuous aftermath following his symbolic gesture on the field. His act of displaying a message in support of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza for 100 days provoked a swift and contentious reaction. Following his goal against Trabzaspor, Yekhezkel seized the opportunity to bring attention to the plight of the hostages by revealing a message on his hand pledging “100 days – 10/07”. This act led to abrupt consequences as he was promptly substituted, and subsequently released from his team for what was described as actions conflicting with the club’s principles.

The situation further escalated as Yekhezkel became the subject of a formal investigation for “incitement to hatred”, attracting widespread attention, even reaching the Minister of Justice of Turkey, Yilmaz Tunç. The prosecutor’s office of Antalya initiated a judicial inquiry against the player, accusing him of publicly inciting hatred due to his celebratory display in support of those affected by the conflict in Gaza. This chain of events eventually led to the player being arrested and questioned by the Turkish authorities.

Amid these developments, Yekhezkel was released and took the opportunity to explain the motives behind his actions, emphasizing his desire for an end to the ongoing conflict. He adamantly expressed that his intent was not to provoke, but rather to advocate for peace and draw attention to the plight of the Israeli hostages in Gaza. These statements reflect his efforts to clarify his actions and intentions, asserting that his focus was on advocating for an end to conflict rather than instigating further discord.

Despite the intense scrutiny and repercussions he faced, Yekhezkel remained resolute in stating his commitment to fostering peace, emphasizing his respect for Turkey and his genuine desire for the cessation of hostilities. His actions on the field sparked a broader discussion, underscoring the powerful intersections of sports, geopolitics, and the complexities of conflict, serving as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between personal expression and the broader societal sensitivities.