Erdogan urges western action as Israeli-Lebanese tensions escalate

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has intensified his criticism of Israel on Saturday, warning that recent attacks in Lebanon suggest Israel’s military strategy may extend beyond Gaza. 

Erdogan called on Western nations to take “deterrent steps” against Israeli actions to prevent further regional escalation.

Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul, Erdogan condemned the violence and urged international pressure on Israel ahead of his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. “In order for our region not to be dragged into a great disaster, the pressure on Israel must be increased even more,” Erdogan said, highlighting concerns over recent attacks in Lebanon that killed 39 people, widely attributed to Israeli forces.

The attacks targeted Hezbollah’s communications equipment, sparking fears of wider conflict. Israel has not confirmed its involvement. Erdogan warned that “it is time for all countries with the mission of protecting world peace to come up with solutions that will stop Israel.”

Turkey has vocally opposed Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which was launched in retaliation for Hamas’s October 7 assault that left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent offensive has led to over 41,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Erdogan urged the UN and the international community to secure a ceasefire and allow unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza. “To end this oppression that has been going on for almost a year…all of us, the whole world and especially the UN, have important duties,” he stressed.

In a show of solidarity with Palestine, Turkey has also frozen trade with Israel and joined South Africa’s legal challenge at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide. Israel has consistently rejected these claims as unfounded.