Türkiye Condemns Israeli Attacks on UNIFIL Forces in Lebanon

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye has strongly condemned Israel’s recent attacks targeting the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), following its broader military offensives in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry denounced the Israeli strikes as part of a larger pattern of impunity. “Israel’s attack on UN forces, following its massacres of civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, is a manifestation of its perception that its crimes go unpunished. The international community is obligated to ensure that Israel abides by international law,” the statement said.

Türkiye currently contributes to UNIFIL’s Maritime Task Force with one corvette/frigate and five personnel stationed at the force’s headquarters, reaffirming its commitment to peacekeeping efforts. The ministry further emphasized that Türkiye will continue to support all initiatives aimed at fostering peace in the region in accordance with international law.

The condemnation follows reports from UNIFIL earlier Thursday that Israeli forces struck their headquarters in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, as well as two nearby sites. The attacks included an Israeli Merkava tank firing on an observation tower, which injured two peacekeepers who were later hospitalized with minor injuries.

Israel’s extensive military campaign, which began on September 23, has focused on what it claims are Hezbollah targets, resulting in over 1,323 deaths and more than 3,700 injuries in Lebanon. The escalating violence has displaced over 1.2 million people.

Amid rising international concerns about a potential regional war, Israel further expanded its conflict on October 1 by launching a ground incursion into southern Lebanon, intensifying its offensive despite widespread calls for restraint.