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Turkey Threatens to Launch 'Military Operations' in the Mediterranean

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with Fayez al Sarraj, head of Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) | (File photo: Presidential Press Office)
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with Fayez al Sarraj, head of Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) | (File photo: Presidential Press Office)
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Turkey Threatens to Launch 'Military Operations' in the Mediterranean

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with Fayez al Sarraj, head of Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) | (File photo: Presidential Press Office)
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with Fayez al Sarraj, head of Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) | (File photo: Presidential Press Office)

Turkish authorities threatened the use of force to “protect their interests” in the eastern Mediterranean region, praising the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), chaired by Fayez al-Sarraj, on the demarcation of the maritime borders in the Mediterranean region.

The spokesman of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK), Omer Celik, said his country uses force to protect its national interests in the event there was a desire to establish a Turkish opposition organization anywhere.

Celik was referring to the trilateral agreement announced by Greece, Cyprus, and Israel on the gas pipeline to Europe during 2020, as well as the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum led by Egypt.

Speaking at AK’s Central Executive Board meeting, Celik noted that through the MoU signed with the GNA, Turkey has responded in a legal and diplomatic way to anyone trying to impose a specific policy and ignore its interests in the eastern Mediterranean.

He confirmed that the Turkish air force will continue to raise its flag in the eastern Mediterranean and that Ankara will only consider its national interests.

For his part, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said his country will stick to the memorandum it has concluded with Libya.

Oktay Turkey and Libya have the right to make joint decisions on maritime boundaries with their neighbors.

“When the stability of the region is at stake, we will make the necessary military cooperation and walk with our friends,” Oktay added.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara was ready to increase its military support to Libya if necessary and would evaluate ground, air, and marine options.

On December 21, the Turkish Parliament approved an MoU on security and military cooperation with Sarraj government. It included cooperation in the areas of security and military training, defense industries, counter-terrorism, and illegal migration.

They are also cooperating on logistics and maps, military planning, transfer of expertise, and the establishment of a mutual defense and security cooperation office if requested.

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Arab World

Hezbollah Attempts Addressing War’s Financial, Emotional Impact on Supporters

A building completely destroyed in Beirut’s southern suburbs (AP)
A building completely destroyed in Beirut’s southern suburbs (AP)
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Hezbollah Attempts Addressing War’s Financial, Emotional Impact on Supporters

A building completely destroyed in Beirut’s southern suburbs (AP)
A building completely destroyed in Beirut’s southern suburbs (AP)

Hezbollah is struggling to cope with the unprecedented consequences of the war with Israel, particularly within its own base, as it tries to support over one million people displaced from Beirut’s southern suburbs, south Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley.

These people have spread across various parts of Lebanon, while some have fled to Syria and Iraq. In response, Hezbollah’s media and officials are promising compensation, reconstruction, and urging people to remain resilient. They have also begun providing limited financial assistance.

Recently, Hezbollah launched the “Samidoun” platform, designed mainly to offer financial help to the displaced, after previously providing limited food and supplies.

Families can receive between $300 and $400, depending on where they have relocated.

Families in coastal areas get $300, while those in colder regions who need heating are given $400. Hezbollah members also receive this support, which is added to their monthly salaries.

The financial aid, which has helped displaced people facing major financial struggles after using up their savings and losing their jobs, is still unclear.

It’s not known whether this aid will be given monthly, periodically, or just as a one-time “gift,” as some are calling it.

One woman, who recently received the aid, is considering using it to rent a home—“even just a room”—after getting tired of staying in a school shelter.

“My children, including an 8-month-old, are getting sick from the cold because there’s no heating,” she said.

“But the problem is we don’t know if we’ll get this money every month, so I’m not sure I can afford the rent.”

Hezbollah had been giving monthly assistance to displaced people from southern villages since the war began on Oct. 8 last year.

It had mostly managed to cover rent for those displaced, but the situation changed after the war expanded on Sep. 23.

The number of displaced people quickly grew, overwhelming Hezbollah’s ability to continue providing support for families from the south, Bekaa, and Beirut's southern suburbs.

Hezbollah officials continue to reassure families about the rebuilding process, which is a major concern for the thousands who lost their homes. A World Bank report estimates that around 100,000 homes were partially or completely destroyed in the conflict.

Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Naeem Qassem, stated that the party is preparing for large-scale reconstruction, promising that destroyed homes and businesses will be rebuilt even better.

Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah also confirmed that the party is committed to serving the people, with reconstruction being a key part of this promise.

Reports have also suggested that Iran pledged to help rebuild southern Beirut, south Lebanon, and Baalbek during visits by Iranian officials to Beirut.

However, political analyst Ali Amin argues that these efforts are insufficient.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that the damage to Hezbollah’s image continues to cause confusion and protests, with some people feeling betrayed.

Amin added that Hezbollah’s messages of patience and eventual victory are not convincing, especially for those struggling to survive. He believes that the party’s ability to maintain support is closely tied to its military reputation, which has been severely damaged.

Amin also highlighted Hezbollah’s focus on providing for its own members, ensuring they receive timely salaries, housing, food, and healthcare.

However, he notes that many displaced people are still facing unmet needs, with complaints about the limited and inconsistent aid provided through the “Samidoun” platform.