Turkey is ready to carry out the possible evacuation of Turks from Lebanon by air and sea and is working with some 20 countries to prepare for the possible evacuation of foreign nationals through Turkish territory, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Security conditions in Lebanon could deteriorate as Israel launched a ground invasion in southern Lebanon, the ministry said, adding that a coordination center has been established to handle evacuation requests in line with the plans of Turkish institutions.

“Guidelines for the evacuation of foreign nationals through our country's territory have also been established, and necessary preparations are being made with some 20 countries that have requested support so far,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.