Türkiye warns of regional escalation after deadly device explosions in Lebanon

ANKARA, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) — Israel has launched a “phased escalation of attacks toward Lebanon” and the escalation in the region is worrying, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Thursday.

“We have reached a point where the Israeli operation is becoming more and more provocative and Hezbollah and Iran have no choice but to respond,” Fidan told the semi-official Anadolu Agency.

The explosions in Lebanon are part of Israel’s strategy regarding the Gaza conflict. Israel’s goal is to “first familiarize ourselves with the relations in Gaza and then deal with Lebanon,” he added.

Fidan said he spoke with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati after the explosions in Lebanon and offered medical assistance to Turkey if needed.

Lebanese authorities said explosions involving pagers and portable radios killed at least 37 people and injured more than 2,931 in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Wednesday that Israel had entered a “new phase” in its conflict with Hezbollah.

No Israeli official, including Gallant, has claimed responsibility for the explosions, which Hezbollah attributes to Israel.