Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan gives a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart after their meeting in Baghdad. AFP
“We hope that the ceasefire will be fully implemented on the ground, including in Lebanon, and that the process will lead to lasting peace,” Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a news conference alongside his Syrian counterpart in Ankara.
Fidan also urged the warring parties to adopt a “conciliatory” approach in Pakistan-brokered talks between Iran and the United States.
“It is of great importance that the parties adopt a conciliatory, flexible, patient, and constructive attitude in the talks that will begin in Pakistan,” he said.
On Wednesday, Ankara said it “firmly condemns” ongoing Israeli strikes on Lebanon, which Israel and the United States say are not covered by the US-Iranian ceasefire.
Israel carried out a large wave of airstrikes across Lebanon on Wednesday, killing and wounding hundreds of people. The Lebanese Health Ministry said at least 182 people had been killed, a figure that is likely to rise, and 890 wounded.
“We firmly condemn the Israeli attacks that have intensified against Lebanon, causing numerous casualties,” said a statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
“These attacks are worsening the humanitarian situation in the country,” it added.
“The international community must act immediately to end the Israeli occupation of Lebanon and protect civilians,” the statement stressed.
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