Court releases Israeli footballer after pro-Israel gesture at match

A Turkish court has released an Israeli footballer after he was detained over showing a pro-Israel message referring to the Gaza war during a match of his club Antalyaspor.

Following scoring a goal at a match between Antalyaspor and Trabzonspor on Jan. 14, Israeli player Sagiv Jehezkel celebrated it by gesturing to a message written on a bandage on his left wrist, which read "100 days. 07/10."

The message that was a reference to the 100 days of the Israel-Hamas war and the hostages held since Hamas group launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7 last year also featured the Star of David.

Shortly after Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç stated that an investigation was launched into the footballer's gesture, the 28-year-old player was detained over the charges of "openly inciting the public to hatred and hostility."

The local media on Jan. 15 reported that an Antalya court released him pending trial.. NTV television reported that a private plane had been sent from Israel to pick up Jehezkel and his family so that they could return home.

Israel furiously condemned Jehezkel's detention, sending relations between the two regional powers to a new low.

"I call on the international community and the international sports organisations to act against Türkiye and against its political use of violence and threats against athletes," Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said.

Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also harshly critcized the Turkish authorities over the detention of the player. 

In his initial statement to the police on Jan. 15, Jehezkel explained that he did not intend to provoke or incite anyone with his gesture, adding that he simply wanted to convey a message for the end of the war.

"I am not a supporter...