Unity statement after intensive discussions: G7 foreign ministers support ceasefire in Gaza

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Considering the plight of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, the G7 countries have called for “humanitarian breaks” in the war between Israel and Hamas. The corridors are needed to enable the delivery of aid and the release of hostages, according to a document published on Wednesday during the two-day meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Tokyo. The G7 countries called on “all parties” to grant access to humanitarian workers and provide the civilian population with food, water and medicine.

The war in the Middle East was at the center of the discussions. The G7 countries unequivocally condemned “the Hamas terrorist attacks” on October 7 and the continued rocket attacks on Israel. “We emphasize Israel’s right to defend itself and its people in accordance with international law,” the statement said. The foreign ministers also called for the immediate release of all Hamas hostages without any preconditions.

The foreign ministers are calling for a two-state solution

The ministers expressed their condolences to the victims of the Hamas attack on Israel and all other civilians injured or killed during the conflict. “Israelis and Palestinians have an equal right to live in security, dignity and peace,” the foreign ministers emphasized.

The increase in violence by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank is “unacceptable.” The G7 countries called on Iran to end its support for Hamas and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia.

A two-state solution in the Middle East is “the only path to a just, lasting and secure peace,” the ministers emphasized. This aims to establish a Palestinian state that coexists peacefully with Israel.

The war in Ukraine is also a problem

Another focus of the G7 deliberations in Tokyo was the war in Ukraine. The foreign ministers reiterated their determination to continue supporting Kiev in its defensive war against Russia. The G7’s “unwavering” support for Ukraine’s “independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity” will never wane, the final statement said.

It called on China not to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. Instead, China should urge Russia to “end its military aggression and support a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”

The situation in the Indo-Pacific was also on the agenda of the meeting. G7 foreign ministers condemned North Korea’s missile program and called on Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear program. They also condemned North Korean arms sales to Russia. In light of China’s threatening behavior towards Taiwan, the G7 reiterated its call for a peaceful solution. The G7 group includes Germany, France, the US, Italy, Canada, Japan and Great Britain. (AFP)

Source: Blick