October 17 – Turkish international Kerem Akturkoglu (pictured) has used social networks X and Instagram to express his outrage at what is happening in the Gaza Strip and the actions of Israel over the past year.
In a message to his X and Instagram followers, who number over 3.6 million, the Turkish national team player, who currently plays for Portuguese side Benfica, called for an immediate end to hostilities.
“I am aware that everyone says that this is a subject that we need to be sensitive about, I hear it. But it is not just that what I hear … The desperate cry of a nation, the massacre that children and civilians are subjected to. Sometimes in their houses, sometimes in places of worship, sometimes in hospitals where they wait for help …
“Many things may have happened throughout history between Israel and Palestine but what I see now is a nation about to be destroyed. Is there anyone who will not condemn what I have listed above? After facing such a tragedy, how can we continue our lives as if everything is fine? This massacre must stop, children must live, families must be happy,” wrote Akturkoglu.
Akturkoglu has been playing for Turkey’s national team since 2021. He has 38 games and 10 goals for his country. Before transferred to Benfica in the summer from Galatasaray.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1732336083labto1732336083ofdlr1732336083owedi1732336083sni@o1732336083fni1732336083