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"100 Days – 7.10": With this message, Sagiv Yehezkel commemorates Hamas' attack on Israel with at least 1200,<> dead
Photograph:
Uncredited / dpa
Yesterday marked the 100th day after Hamas' large-scale attack on Israel. The Israeli professional footballer Sagiv Jehezkel, who was signed in Turkey, also reminded us of this. His action now has far-reaching consequences.
Jehezkel, previously a striker at Antalyaspor, scored the equaliser against Trabzon on Sunday. During the goal celebration, the 28-year-old held up a hand bandage with the inscription "100 Days – 7.10" and a drawing of a Star of David into a TV camera. According to Turkish media, he has now been arrested.
Earlier, Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc had already confirmed via X, formerly Twitter, that the Antalya Public Prosecutor's Office had initiated investigations against Jehezkel. He is accused of public incitement to hatred.
Antalyaspor released Jehezkel. The club told Turkish media that the club's lawyers were working to terminate the contract with the Israeli player. Jehezkel had carried out his action without the knowledge of the association. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) spoke of "completely unacceptable behaviour" by the player. The club's reaction was "appropriate."
Israel's former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett strongly condemns the treatment of Jehezkel. "This is Turkey 2024. Shame on you, Turkish government," Bennett wrote via X, calling the arrest "unbelievable."
Alleged spies arrested in Turkey
Relations between Israel and Turkey have been strained for years. In the summer, a rapprochement became apparent. After Hamas' large-scale attack on Israel, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan initially called on both Israel and the terrorist organization to show restraint. The actions of the Israelis in Gaza and the high number of civilian casualties have led to a rhetorical about-face.
In recent weeks, the Turkish president has called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah the "butcher of Gaza" and compared Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler. In connection with Hamas, on the other hand, Erdoğan repeatedly spoke of liberation fighters.
Statements by the head of Israel's domestic intelligence service, Shin Bet, also caused outrage in Turkey. Ronan Bar declared that he wanted to kill Hamas leaders abroad as well. He explicitly mentioned Qatar, Lebanon and Turkey. Turkey refuses to take action against Hamas on its own soil. Most recently, more than 30 alleged Israeli spies were arrested in Turkey.
ASC/SID