(MENAFN) An effigy resembling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was discovered hanging from a construction crane in northeastern Türkiye, igniting widespread outrage in Israel.

The incident took place at a construction site in the Black Sea city of Trabzon on Saturday, according to reports from Turkish media.

Local outlets indicated that the controversial display was organized by Kemal Saglam, a professor of visual communication at a nearby university.

Saglam explained that the act was intended as a symbolic protest to highlight the human rights violations occurring in Gaza.

Images of the effigy, which quickly spread on social media and were also published by a Turkish newspaper, showed the figure suspended from the crane with a banner stating: “Death penalty for Netanyahu.”

These images went viral, sparking significant debate. Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded by sharing a video of the incident on X, claiming that the effigy was created by a Turkish academic “with the proud support of a state company.”

The ministry condemned the act, accusing Turkish authorities of failing to denounce the "shameful behavior."

Turkish officials have yet to provide an official statement regarding the incident. Diplomatic relations between Israel and Türkiye have been increasingly tense for years, with tensions escalating further following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has openly accused Netanyahu of committing "genocide" in Gaza.

Türkiye has played a role in recent ceasefire talks and hostage negotiations, with reports suggesting that Ankara's influence over Hamas contributed to the release of hostages as part of US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan.

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