The G7 Foreign Ministers have called for urgent action to address the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying all parties must allow unimpeded humanitarian support for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers.
The call was made in a statement released by the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union on Tuesday.
Following the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which further enhance the cooperation to collectively respond to recent global and regional issues, building on commitments by their leaders at the G7 Hiroshima Summit.
According to them, “We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and High Representative of the European Union, are more united than ever in the pursuit of international peace, security, and prosperity.
The G7 Ministers declared support for humanitarian pauses and corridors to facilitate urgently needed assistance, civilian movement, and the release of hostages while foreign nationals must also be allowed to continue to depart.
They condemned the terror attacks by Hamas and others across Israel that began on October 7, 2023, as well as ongoing missile attacks against Israel, emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself and its people, in accordance with international law, as it seeks to prevent a recurrence.
“We underscore the importance of protecting civilians and compliance with international law, in particular international humanitarian law. Since the attack, the G7 members have pledged an additional $500 million for the Palestinian people, including through the UN agencies and other humanitarian actors.
“We call for the immediate release of all hostages without preconditions and express our deepest sympathy, condolences to the victims of these attacks and their families, as well as all civilians, Palestinian, Israeli, and others, including our own citizens, who have died or been injured during this conflict”.
The Ministers stated further that Israelis and Palestinians have equal right to live in safety, dignity, and peace. “We reject antisemitism and Islamophobia in any form in our own societies and anywhere in the world. We welcome Nov. 9 international conference in Paris on humanitarian issues.
“The rise in extremist settler violence committed against Palestinians is unacceptable, undermines security in the West Bank, and threatens prospects for a lasting peace.
“The G7 members, along with partners in the region, are working intensively to prevent the conflict from escalating further, spreading more widely. We are also working together, including by imposing sanctions or other measures, to deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out atrocities.
“The G7 members are committed to working closely with partners to prepare sustainable long-term solutions for Gaza and a return to a broader peace process in line with the internationally agreed parameters”.
G7 Ministers underscored that a two-state solution, which envisions Israel and a viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace, security, and mutual recognition, remains the only path to a just, lasting, and secure peace.