Türkiye has strongly condemned Israel’s expansion of its occupation in Lebanon, saying the move threatens regional stability and deepens the humanitarian crisis.
In a statement on Monday, the Turkish foreign ministry said Israel was pursuing policies similar to those seen in the second year of genocide in Gaza.
“We condemn in the strongest terms Israel’s expansion of its occupation in Lebanon. It appears that the Netanyahu government, as it has done in Gaza, aims to make the areas it occupies in Lebanon uninhabitable and force Lebanese people into permanent displacement,” the statement said.
"Through its expansionist and aggressive policies, Israel is targeting efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region and further worsening the humanitarian situation,” the ministry said.
The statement called on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take concrete steps without delay to ensure that Israel ends its attacks and occupation in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, the EU also urged Israel to halt its military escalation in Lebanon and respect the country's sovereignty, while reaffirming support for diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.
“We call on Israel to stop its military escalation in Lebanon and to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity,” European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni told a media briefing.
He also called for continued diplomatic engagement led by the US and other international partners to achieve a negotiated path toward long-term stability.
“The people of Lebanon have already endured immense hardship. They didn't choose this war, and this war is not theirs,” he said.
El Anouni added that people in both Lebanon and Israel have the right to live in peace, security, and dignity, free from the threat of renewed conflict.
He said the EU stands in solidarity with the Lebanese people and will continue to provide support and emergency assistance to help the authorities respond to the crisis.
On security, El Anouni said the bloc is considering additional measures to support stability in Lebanon, including a possible new mission to strengthen state authority.
He declined to provide further details but stressed that the EU’s commitment to Lebanon’s security and stability "remains unwavering".
Israel's latest assault on Lebanon began in March, soon after the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently ordered troops to expand the incursion, despite a US-mediated ceasefire in place.
The order came on the eve of a new round of negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv in Washington under US mediation.
A massive wave of displacement unfolded in Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli threats to bomb the Lebanese capital despite an ongoing ceasefire.
