An Israeli source confirmed to Israel Hayom that Jerusalem was working to release the detained Israeli soccer player in Turkey Sagiv Jehezkel, who after scoring an equalizer against Trabzonspor during a home game, displayed a bandage around his wrist with an inscription marking the 100 days since the hostages were abducted on Oct. 7.
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The 28-year-old Israeli player published a statement from his interrogation by the security services in the city of Antalya in southern Turkey. The Antalya security services spokesperson gave his statement to the local media through a translator. It read as follows: "I did not act in any way to harass or annoy anyone. I am not a person who supports war. After all, there are Israelis captive in Gaza. I am someone who believes that this period of 100 days that has passed should end now and I want the war to end."
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The statement also said: "That is why I made the gesture here. I am a person who is not involved in politics. I have never done anything related to politics since I arrived in Turkey. I have never shown disrespect to anyone since I arrived. The point is that I wanted to draw attention to end the war," wrote Weissman.
Jehezkel's arrest continues to arouse anger and astonishment in Israel.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett responded to the incident on the X social network and wrote: "Welcome to Turkey's Midnight Express. This is unbelievable. An Israeli football player, Sagiv Yehezkel, scored a goal for Antalyaspor, a Turkish team. He made a gesture 100 for the Israelis who have been held hostage by Hamas for the past 100 days. All hell broke loose: He was condemned by the national football association – His team announced he was suspended – Then they said he'd be fired And to top it up, Turkish police has arrested him (!) and he's undergoing interrogation. Yes, for making this simple gesture. This is Turkey 2024. Shame on you, Turkish government."
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