ANKARA, (TDI): Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has called on the United Nations General Assembly to recommend the use of force if the UN Security Council fails to stop Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza and Lebanon.
This statement follows Israel’s yesterday’s recent ground invasion of Lebanon and its declaration of three communities—Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi—along its northern border as a “closed military zone.”
Erdogan referenced the 1950 “Uniting for Peace” resolution, saying that the General Assembly could intervene if the Security Council’s permanent members—Britain, China, France, Russia, and the U.S.—are unable to maintain international peace due to disagreements.
As a NATO member, Turkey has condemned Israel’s military actions against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In response, Turkey has halted all trade with Israel and has joined a genocide case against the country at the International Court of Justice, a move that Israel rejects.
Read More: No Global Stability Without Resolving Gaza Crises: Pakistan
Erdogan criticized Muslim nations for their lack of a stronger stance against Israel, urging them to exert economic, diplomatic, and political pressure to push Israel toward a ceasefire.
He warned that if Israel’s attacks continue, other Muslim countries could also become targets.
He called for global and Muslim solidarity to ensure peace for all people in the region, including Muslims, Jews, and Christians.
Meanwhile, Israel has conducted small-scale ground raids against Hezbollah near the border. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed that U.S. officials were informed of these operations, which have been described as “limited.”
Read More: Indian-Origin Linked to Pager Bombings in Lebanon
Reports indicate that the Lebanese army is withdrawing from the border area near Israel, with sources stating that the military is pulling back from several positions on the southern border.
However, a spokesperson for the Lebanese army has neither confirmed nor denied these reports.
Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his opposition to potential Israeli ground operations in Lebanon and called for an immediate ceasefire.
He emphasized the urgency of stopping military actions, stating, “I’m more aware than you might know and I’m comfortable with them stopping. We should have a ceasefire now.”
