Türkiye Condemns Israel’s Lebanon Offensive, Warns of Humanitarian Crisis

Türkiye condemned Israel’s ground offensive in Lebanon, calling it a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and warning it could cause a humanitarian crisis similar to Gaza. Ankara reaffirmed its support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity. Meanwhile, Spain’s Defence Minister Margarita Robles urged the United Nations to protect UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, noting that Spanish troops face dangerous conditions but continue their mission.

Türkiye has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s ground offensive in Lebanon, warning that the military operation could significantly destabilise the region and trigger a severe humanitarian crisis. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye released a statement on Monday, describing Israel’s actions as a clear violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ankara accused the government of Benjamin Netanyahu of pursuing policies rooted in “genocide and collective punishment,” similar to those that have caused widespread devastation in Gaza. The ministry emphasized that if these policies are implemented in Lebanon, they could lead to another large-scale humanitarian disaster, putting countless civilians at risk and further exacerbating regional instability.
Türkiye reiterated its unwavering solidarity with Lebanon, highlighting its commitment to supporting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid ongoing hostilities. The statement reflects Ankara’s concern over the potential for escalation and the broader implications for peace and security in the Middle East. Türkiye also called on the international community to take urgent measures to prevent further civilian casualties and to ensure that all parties respect international law and humanitarian principles.
In parallel, Spain’s Defence Minister Margarita Robles expressed concern over the safety of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, calling on the United Nations to take measures to guarantee their protection. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Robles emphasized that the safety of troops deployed with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) must be respected, especially as hostilities continue to escalate. She noted that Spain is closely monitoring the situation of its soldiers serving with the mission and maintains frequent communication with them to ensure their welfare during this difficult period.
Robles described the situation on the ground as complicated and dangerous, explaining that Spanish troops are spending long hours in bunkers to protect themselves from the security risks posed by ongoing military operations. Despite these challenges, she noted that the soldiers continue to perform their duties whenever the situation allows, carrying out essential peacekeeping operations to maintain stability in the region. The Spanish Defence Minister’s remarks underline the critical importance of safeguarding international personnel who are operating in conflict zones while highlighting the broader risks that the escalating Israeli offensive poses to regional security and civilian populations.