Israeli Footballer Sagiv Jehezkel Under Threat of Dismissal in Turkey for Making Hostage Plea

An Israeli football player, Sagiv Jehezkel, is facing prosecution in Turkey and being sacked from his club, Antalyaspor, for showing support to the hostages taken in the October Hamas attacks during a goal celebration. Jehezkel held up a bandaged hand that read "100 days. 7/10" during the celebration. Turkey has accused the footballer of supporting Israel's actions in Gaza, while Jehezkel claims he is not pro-war and wants the conflict to end. He has been detained and released pending trial, with an investigation underway for "publicly inciting the public to hatred and hostility." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been critical of Israel's conduct in Gaza and has shown support for the Palestinians. The Israeli government has criticized Turkey's treatment of Jehezkel, accusing them of hypocrisy and acting as the executive arm of Hamas. Antalyaspor has suspended Jehezkel, and the club's main shirt sponsor, Caglayan Group, has threatened to withdraw sponsorship if his contract is not terminated.