ANKARA

Turkey on Friday extended its condolences to Israel over a deadly stampede during a Jewish religious festival.

"We have received the news with sadness that many people lost their lives as a result of a stampede during a religious festival ceremony on Mount Meron in northern Israel," said a  statement.

Turkey expressed its condolences to the people and government of Israel and wished a quick and full recovery to those injured in the incident.

At least 44 people were killed and 103 injured early Friday in the stampede during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag B'Omer, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Israeli police have launched an investigation into the incident.