He criticized Israel’s continued aggression in region; urged international community to hold Tel Aviv accountable
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the United Nations for failing to protect its personnel from Israeli attacks in Lebanon, warning that the global body’s inaction threatens international stability.
Following a cabinet meeting on Monday, Erdogan voiced concern over recent Israeli actions against the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). He described the UN’s inability to protect its own peacekeepers as “a source of shame and concern,” pointing to the UN Security Council’s failure to intervene in what he called Israel’s “lawlessness.”
Erdogan also condemned Israel’s ongoing aggression in the region and urged the international community to hold Tel Aviv accountable for its actions.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday, when Israeli Merkava tanks reportedly attacked a UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon, damaging the main gate and causing nearby explosions that impacted UN personnel. The Israeli military claimed the tank accidentally struck the base while retreating under heavy fire from Hezbollah during a separate clash that injured 25 Israeli soldiers.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violation, warning Israel that attacks on peacekeepers could be classified as war crimes under international law.
Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s calls for the UN to withdraw its peacekeepers from Hezbollah-controlled areas, Guterres reaffirmed UNIFIL’s role in maintaining peace in the volatile region.
This exchange between the UN and Israel comes amid escalating clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, which have intensified since October, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
Over the weekend, Hezbollah launched a drone strike on an Israeli military camp, killing four soldiers and injuring others, while Israel’s continued strikes in southern Lebanon have raised fears of further escalation, potentially involving regional powers like Iran.
Erdogan also criticized what he sees as unconditional support for Israel from the US and European nations, linking this backing to Israel’s persistent military actions in Lebanon and Gaza, where humanitarian concerns are growing.
He highlighted Israel’s control of the Rafah border crossing, which has blocked aid deliveries to Gaza, leaving civilians increasingly vulnerable as winter approaches.
Erdogan also discussed Türkiye’s efforts to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon, revealing that 966 people have been safely brought back from Beirut. Additionally, Ankara has sent 300 tons of aid to the region, with Erdogan promising continued assistance as the crisis continues.
The ongoing hostilities have strained relations between Israel and UNIFIL, with the peacekeeping force facing accusations of ineffectiveness in enforcing UN Resolution 1701. This resolution, adopted after the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, mandates that southern Lebanon remains free of non-state military forces, a condition Israel argues Hezbollah frequently violates.
In recent weeks, several UN peacekeepers have been injured amid the ongoing violence. One peacekeeper was shot at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura, near the Israeli-Lebanese border, marking the fifth injury to UN personnel in the region.
As tensions rise, global leaders are watching closely, with the UN calling for calm and warning that further attacks on its personnel will not go unanswered.