In a strongly worded Instagram story, former star footballer Mesut Ozil shared a message condemning Israeli violence against civilians in Gaza, continuing his consistent advocacy on the issue.
The post, presented in both Turkish and English, says that “bombing children and civilians is not self-defense” and that “people killed in their sleep are not legitimate targets.” Ozil’s statement firmly characterizes events in Gaza as “not an operation – it’s a massacre.”
The message highlights humanitarian concerns, noting “countless lives lost, dozens injured, many still missing…” and concludes with a pledge of solidarity: “We do not accept this brutality. We will not stay silent. The people of Palestine are not alone.”
In a recent exclusive interview with TRT, Ozil emphasized the need for broader awareness and action: “Not just me, not just the football or sports community, but all of humanity must speak out against what has happened in Gaza.”
Ozil has been a regular voice on the Gaza conflict since hostilities began, frequently posting content about the situation, often on a daily basis. This consistent advocacy reflects his long-standing willingness to speak out on humanitarian issues.
This pattern follows Ozil’s previous outspoken support for Uyghur Muslims, a stance that reportedly contributed to significant professional challenges for the footballer. His decision to speak out about the treatment of Uyghurs in China was linked to complications in his career, including tensions with his then-club Arsenal, which distanced itself from his comments at the time.
Despite these career setbacks, the former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder has continued to use his platform to advocate for groups he perceives as facing humanitarian crises, maintaining his focus on the situation in Gaza and expressing solidarity with Palestinians affected by the conflict.
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