Erdogan condemns Israel’s Lebanon strikes, calls for global action before UN speech

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel’s recent attacks in Lebanon on Saturday, asserting that these actions confirm Türkiye’s concerns about Israel’s ambitions to extend the conflict across the region.

Speaking to the media in Istanbul before departing for New York to address the U.N. General Assembly, Erdogan criticized Israel for acting “like a terrorist group.”

“With this attack, Israel demonstrated it has no civilian sensitivities and is willing to use any means to achieve its hateful ambitions,” Erdogan said, referring to the recent pager explosions in Lebanon.

He further emphasized that Israel is extending its aggression across Lebanon and the region with the support of Western countries.

Criticism of Israeli policies

Erdogan accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of provocation and incitement to implement a radical Zionist agenda.

He condemned Israeli actions, particularly those targeting the al-Aqsa Mosque, calling them part of a “dirty scenario” aimed at destabilizing the region.

“Türkiye has repeatedly expressed its sensitivity on this issue, and our stance remains the same. Pressure on Israel must increase to prevent the region from being dragged into a massive catastrophe,” Erdogan stated.

Call for international response

Erdogan warned that the region is facing an “inexplicably huge crisis” and called on the international community, particularly Western countries, to take action.

“The international community must stop watching Israel’s heinous actions and take deterrent steps.

President Erdogan

At least 37 people were killed, and over 3,250 others, including women and children, were injured in the explosions of wireless communication devices—pagers and ICOM—across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday. Israel has not commented on the blasts.

Erdogan’s address to the UN

Erdogan also highlighted his upcoming speech at the U.N. General Assembly, scheduled for September 24. He said he would emphasize the need for reforms in global governance, particularly the U.N. Security Council, and advocate for a more inclusive and effective international structure.

“I will share our views on the issues concerning our region and humanity. Specifically, I will address common actions that can be taken against the genocide in Gaza and Israel’s aggressive policies,” he said.

Erdogan emphasized that the international community, especially the U.N., has a responsibility to end Israeli persecution in Gaza, establish a permanent cease-fire, and ensure the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid.

“We will remind our interlocutors of these responsibilities once again during our visit,” he added.