Luke ANKARA, Sep 21 – Turkish President Erdogan said on Saturday that this week’s attacks on Lebanon show that the Israeli government plans to expand the war in the region. He called on Western countries to take “precautionary measures” against Israel’s actions.
Erdogan said at a press conference that Israel’s war in Gaza will be the top topic of his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.
“Pressure on Israel must be increased to save our region from a major catastrophe,” Erdogan said at a news conference in Istanbul.
He commented on this week’s attacks in Lebanon , including a bombing by Hezbollah members using pagers and walkie-talkies that killed 39 people.
It is widely believed that the attack on communications equipment was carried out by Israel, but Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
Erdogan said: “Now is the time for all countries defending world peace to find solutions that can stop Israel.” He added: “All of us, the whole world, and especially the United Nations, have an important responsibility to end this nearly year of oppression, establish a lasting ceasefire and ensure unhindered humanitarian access.”
Turkey condemned Israeli actions in Gaza in response to Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 October.
Israel said the attack killed about 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s latest military offensive in Gaza, the enclave’s health ministry said.
Ankara has also halted all trade with Israel and submitted a request to the International Court of Justice to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide . Israel has repeatedly denied that the allegations of genocide are baseless.
