Workers safe after gunmen take hostages at Procter & Gamble factory in Turkey in apparent protest of Gaza war

A hostage situation at a Procter & Gamble factory in Gebze, northwest Turkey, linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict, has been resolved.

Two gunmen took seven hostages, protesting the war. Law enforcement detained one assailant, and the hostages were safely evacuated. A photo in Turkish media showed a suspect with an apparent explosive belt. No one was harmed. Police raided during a bathroom break, detaining the gunman. The suspects, aiming to highlight Palestinian casualties, entered the facility around 3 p.m.

The U.S. Embassy warned of anti-U.S. sentiments in Turkey.

Turkish President Erdogan criticized Israel, and protests against Israel and the U.S. have increased in Turkey.

P&G confirmed the incident and prioritized safety. The company's Gebze facility in Kocaeli produces cleaning and hygiene products. Turkish media also published a photo of hostages celebrating a birthday during the incident.

P&G Turkey employs 700 people at three sites in Istanbul and Kocaeli, according to the company's website.