Over 2,000 Turkish citizens and some foreign nationals have begun boarding a Turkish military ship in Beirut as Israeli airstrikes target Hezbollah in the region. The evacuees, including individuals from Bulgaria, Romania, and Kazakhstan, are being transported on a six-ship convoy that departed from the port of Mersin in Turkey.
The Turkish vessels, TCG Bayraktar and TCG Sancaktar, are carrying 300 tons of humanitarian supplies, such as food, hygiene kits, kitchenware, tents, beds, and blankets. The operation aims to provide aid to Lebanese citizens affected by the conflict and ensure the safe return of Turkish nationals facing a difficult situation in Lebanon.
Passengers are undergoing security checks before boarding the ships, with Turkish soldiers and sailors verifying passports and inspecting luggage. The journey back to Mersin is expected to take approximately 10 hours, with the Turkish government prepared to organize additional sea evacuations if needed.
The escalation of hostilities began when Hezbollah started firing rockets into northern Israel following a conflict initiated by Hamas in Gaza. The ongoing violence has resulted in over 1,300 deaths in Lebanon and displaced more than a million people since mid-September.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned Israel's actions, vowing to counter any expansionist ambitions. The situation remains tense as Israel continues its military operations, targeting Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon.
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