Turkish President Erdogan Urges Lebanese PM for Immediate International Action to Halt Israel
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati that the international community must act swiftly to halt Israel’s aggression, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency.
“President Erdogan emphasized that Israel is violating basic human rights and committing genocide in front of the world. He stressed that it is a humanitarian duty to stop these actions and the resulting humanitarian crisis,” his office posted on X.
The two leaders met during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Meanwhile, the Israeli army reported that defense systems intercepted a drone from the “east,” while another crashed in the port city of Eilat.
“Two unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs] were detected approaching the Eilat area from the east. A navy missile ship intercepted one UAV, and the other fell in Eilat,” the Israeli military stated.
Earlier, Israeli media reported sirens in Eilat, and first responders noted two minor injuries from the incident. Al Jazeera is covering events from outside Israel due to a ban imposed by the Israeli government.
Israeli officials are convening at the defense ministry, receiving updates from top military leaders. Some Israeli media outlets are suggesting discussions on a potential ground offensive into southern Lebanon.
There’s a degree of caution about this, but the Israeli military has deployed two combat brigades to the north, with the army chief hinting at the possibility of an incursion. Israeli forces are prepared for this, but they understand that entering Hezbollah-controlled territory in southern Lebanon presents significant challenges.
U.S. officials are prioritizing efforts to avoid a ground offensive. Media reports are also circulating about potential ceasefire negotiations, but it’s important to approach these reports with caution.
Earlier, President Biden hinted at the possibility of a ceasefire during an interview with ABC. He noted that Israel’s actions in Lebanon, which have resulted in over 600 deaths this week, could lead to discussions about broader regional peace efforts, including in the West Bank and Gaza.
“There’s a chance—though I don’t want to overstate it—that if we can secure a ceasefire in Lebanon, it might extend to the West Bank. We’re also focused on Gaza,” Biden said, adding that his team is working tirelessly toward this goal.
Biden also urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reconsider his stance on an independent Palestinian state as a way to de-escalate the broader Middle East crisis.
“I disagree with Netanyahu’s position. A two-state solution is necessary,” Biden stated.
UK Prime Minister Calls for Ceasefire: ‘Diplomacy, Not Military Action, is the Solution’
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged for diplomacy and an immediate ceasefire to prevent further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah during a UN Security Council meeting.
Israeli airstrikes, which killed at least 51 people, have led to the deadliest day in Lebanon since the end of its civil war in 1990.
“The region is on the verge of catastrophe. We need an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and a political plan that allows civilians on both sides to return to peaceful lives,” Starmer said.
“Security will come through diplomacy, not military escalation. There is no military solution to this crisis, and certainly not to the conflict in Gaza. This council must call for an immediate and full ceasefire in Gaza, along with the release of all hostages.”
The UN agency providing aid to Palestinians echoed this sentiment: “After nearly a year of war that has devastated life in Gaza, Lebanon is now teetering on the brink.”
“Civilians, including humanitarian workers, are being killed. Families are being displaced, and violence is intensifying. This must end. Peace must be restored.
