Turkish, Israeli teams' football faceoff to be held in 'neutral country'

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – A football match later this month between a Turkish team and an Israeli side – whose countries are bitterly at odds over an ongoing genocide – will be held in a "neutral country" rather than Türkiye, the hosts and UEFA confirmed on Monday.

"Despite all necessary permits being obtained from UEFA to host the UEFA Europa League match against (Israel's) Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 28, 2024, at our stadium, the Turkish state authorities have decided that the match will be played in a neutral country due to the possibility of provocative actions," Istanbul side Besiktas said on X.

The Turkish football powerhouse asked its supporters to "demonstrate the necessary sensitivity to counter any provocative actions aimed at putting our country and our club in a difficult position."

European football's governing body UEFA also confirmed the news, saying it "is in contact with Besiktas JK to find an alternative neutral venue, which will be announced in due course."

Turkish officials issue daily condemnations of Israel’s ongoing genocide of over 43,000 people so far in the Gaza Strip. It cut off trade with Israel last year, and also joined a case filed by South African at The Hague against Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza. Israeli officials frequently target Turkish officials on X in what the officials say are obvious attempts to change the subject from brutal attacks on Palestinians.

For security reasons, Maccabi Tel Aviv are currently playing their home matches in Belgrade, Serbia. In their next Europa League fixture, they will meet Ajax on Nov. 7 at Amsterdam's Johan Cruijff Arena, followed by the Nov. 28 game.

- Israel's war on Gaza

Israel has continued a devastating offensive on Gaza since an attack last year by Hamas, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

More than 43,000 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 102,000 others injured, according to local health authorities.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its deadly war on Gaza.

- Türkiye stands by Palestine, president stresses

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday reaffirmed the country's strong support for Palestine as Israel continues to mount deadly attacks across the occupied territories and the Gaza Strip.

Speaking at an Organization of the Islamic Cooperation gathering in Istanbul, Erdogan said that one of the most brutal genocides of the century is now taking place in Gaza.

He called on the Islamic world to unite against Israel's genocide of Palestinians.