Ankara: Turkey has condemned the recent decision by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to expand its occupation of the Gaza Strip, labeling it as a manifestation of an expansionist and destructive mentality. The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement characterizing the Israeli government’s move as irresponsible and warned that it could drag the entire region into a comprehensive conflict.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has urged Israel to halt actions that threaten peace and stability in the region. The statement highlighted Israel’s attacks on countries such as Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, emphasizing their negative impact on regional harmony. Additionally, the ministry called upon the international community to take a decisive stance against what it termed as “Israel’s reckless aggression.”

In its statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry reiterated Turkey’s commitment to continue efforts towards ensuring peace and stability in the Middle East. It expressed solidarity with regional countries and the international community in their efforts to counteract the aggressive policies of the Israeli government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a recent announcement, stated that the Security Cabinet had approved the expansion of the ongoing military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu claimed that the expansion was part of a plan to evacuate the population of the Gaza Strip, asserting that the goal was to protect them, though he did not provide further details.

Netanyahu’s declaration has raised international concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by an ongoing severe blockade. This blockade, coupled with military operations, has persisted for nearly 20 months, resulting in the deaths and injuries of over 171,000 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children. Furthermore, more than 11,000 individuals are reported missing in the beleaguered enclave.