Türkiye says it will stand by Lebanon in response to Israel's 'inhumane' attacks

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye on Thursday said it will stand by Lebanon and its people in response to Israel's "inhumane" attacks that have killed more than 1,100 people and displaced tens of thousands more in less than two weeks.

"Israel's ban on UN secretary-general, declaring him persona non grata, condemned as the latest example of Israel's disregard for law," the National Security Council said in a statement after a meeting in Ankara.

"It has been emphasized that, alongside Türkiye's determined efforts to halt the genocide that the Palestinian people have faced for a year in front of the world's eyes and achieve a lasting ceasefire and peace in Palestine without delay, there is also a need to increase and sustain international efforts.

"A call has been made for all responsible actors, especially the United Nations Security Council, to take immediate action to prevent Israel's attacks, which aim to spread the conflict beyond Palestinian territories into the Middle East," it added.

The government body said activities to neutralize terrorist organizations in Syria will continue uninterruptedly and any plans that may harm national security will not be tolerated.

Efforts will be intensified to resolve the conflict in the country in line with the interests and expectations of the region and the Syrian people, the National Security Council said.

"Our determination to advance cooperation with our neighbor Iraq in the fight against terrorist organizations that pose a common threat to our countries, particularly the PKK/KCK-PYD/YPG, has been reaffirmed," the statement said.

"Furthermore, the importance we place on the security, peace, and prosperity of the brotherly Iraqi people has been emphasized once again."

The security body said Türkiye's sincere approach and efforts to develop cooperative frameworks aimed at establishing lasting stability and peace in the Mediterranean and the Aegean will not be allowed to be exploited.

It was emphasized that acting with reason and wisdom is the best course of action.