Malaysia condemns Israeli ground operation in Lebanon

ANKARA (AA) – Malaysia has “unequivocally” condemned Israel regime as it launched ground operations in Lebanon.

“The Zionist Israel regime’s actions clearly violate security, stability as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, contravening the United Nations Charter and international law,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The Israeli army said Thursday that it had launched “limited and targeted” ground operations in southern Lebanon.

Despite the Israeli army announcement, there has been no sign of an Israeli ground invasion into the Lebanese territory.

Hezbollah also rejected Israeli claims that Tel Aviv had sent its ground forces into Lebanese territory.

Kuala Lumpur said it stands in solidarity with Lebanon, joining the “overwhelming call” by the international community for an urgent cease-fire to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe in Lebanon.

“It is vital for all parties to not exacerbate the already tense situation in the region,” it added.

The Malaysian embassy in Beirut, which will operate until further notice, is taking steps to evacuate Malaysian nationals from Lebanon.

Since September 23, Israel has launched massive airstrikes against what it calls Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, killing more than 960 people and injuring over 2,770 others, including children and women, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Several Hezbollah leaders have been killed in the assault, including the group’s Secretary General, Hassan Nasrallah.

Hezbollah has been under attack from Israel from across the border since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 41,600 people, most of them women and children, since last October.