Shahan Kandaharian: Turkey between the devil and the deep sea

PanARMENIAN.Net - Lebanon is concerned over the escalating conflict in Gaza. The panic spread among the population when northern Israel was bombarded from Lebanon's territory, said a member of Hay Dat office in Beirut.



"After a response fire, Hezbollah denied its participation in hostilities strongly condemned by the Lebanese army and Defense Ministry," Shahan Kandaharian told PanARMENIAN.Net



Touching on Turkey's position, he said that Arab states appreciated official Ankara's stand. "Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan labeled resumption of hostilities as crime against humanity. It was harsh message to Tel Aviv from a non-Arab country. Nevertheless, I think this statement was meant to calm down the Turkish public which protested Israel's actions in Gaza," he said.



"Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said resumption of hostilities is disrespect for Ankara, which undertook mediation between Syria and Israel. Turkey is between two fires. On the one hand it should please its strategic partner, Israel. On the other hand, it should smooth internal tensions," Mr. Kandaharian said.



On December 27, 2008, Israel launched a military campaign codenamed Operation Cast Lead, targeting the members and infrastructure of Hamas. As of 12 January 2009, 13 Israelis and 898 Palestinians are estimated to have perished in the conflict. All but three of the Israeli casualties have been soldiers, while 333 of the Gaza casualties have been women and children. 257 children in Gaza have been killed, making up a third of Palestinian casualties.