People walk past tents sheltering people displaced by Israeli airstrikes at a public space along the Beirut waterfront at sunset in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Türkiye on Monday strongly condemned Israel’s ground offensive in Lebanon, warning that the operation would further deepen instability in the region.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said Israel’s actions in Lebanon could pave the way for a new humanitarian catastrophe. It said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of pursuing “collective punishment and genocidal policies” and said the attacks violated Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ankara also reaffirmed its solidarity with Lebanon.
The condemnation came as concern mounted over the human toll of the fighting. According to Lebanese authorities, more than 880 people have been killed since the escalation began on March 2, while more than 1 million people have been displaced. More than 130,000 of the displaced are staying in collective shelters.
Israel said its troops had expanded what it described as limited ground operations in new parts of southern Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said displaced Lebanese would not be allowed to return to areas south of the Litani River until the safety of northern Israel was ensured.
Lebanon was drawn into the widening regional conflict on March 2 after Hezbollah opened fire on Israel. Hezbollah said the attack was in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with a broad military campaign in Lebanon, including air raids and ground incursions near the border.
The latest escalation also drew criticism from Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
In a joint statement, the five countries warned that a major Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a prolonged conflict.
They called for immediate de-escalation and backed efforts to reach a sustainable political solution.
