ANKARA, Turkey: Turkey accused Israel on Thursday of escalating the conflict in Gaza to Lebanon after a series of deadly explosions in Hezbollah strongholds killed 32 people and injured over 3,000, including two children.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the situation as “alarming,” stating that Israel was progressively intensifying its attacks on Lebanon.
The explosions targeted Hezbollah operatives’ walkie-talkies and pagers, detonating in public spaces like supermarkets and funerals. Israel has not officially commented on the explosions, but Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at increased tensions on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon.
Turkey blamed Israel for the attacks, with Fidan suggesting that Hezbollah and its allies may be forced to respond. Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has been involved in near-daily skirmishes with Israeli forces along the northern border, with significant casualties on both sides.
Turkish President Erdogan also extended condolences to Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
