G7 Issues Joint Statement on Israel-Hamas Conflict, Stresses Humanitarian Aid and Condemns Extremist Violence

In a significant development, top diplomats from the Group of Seven (G7) nations, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have issued a joint statement condemning Hamas and expressing support for Israel’s right to self-defense amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

The G7 foreign ministers convened in Tokyo, where they emphasized the need for “humanitarian pauses and corridors” to provide vital assistance and release hostages.

While refraining from calling for an immediate ceasefire, the G7 ministers underscored their commitment to aiding civilians in the Gaza Strip who are in desperate need of food, water, medical care, and shelter. They also denounced the rise in extremist settler violence against Palestinians, deeming it a threat to security and peace in the West Bank.

The G7 nations urged Iran to refrain from supporting Hamas and to use its influence to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. They also called on China not to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, affirming unwavering support for Ukraine’s fight for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that while Israel is open to tactical pauses, it rejects a ceasefire without the release of hostages held by Hamas. He asserted that Israel will assume overall security responsibility for Gaza following the conflict’s resolution, with a focus on preventing further attacks.

The G7 statement also highlighted the importance of a two-state solution as the key to achieving a just, lasting, and secure peace in the region. As discussions regarding the post-conflict situation in Gaza continue, possible scenarios include the deployment of a multinational force, interim Palestinian-led administration, or temporary U.N. supervision.

With over 10,500 reported casualties in Gaza, including a significant number of children, the humanitarian crisis remains dire. The G7’s unified message emphasizes the urgency of addressing the deteriorating situation, underscoring the group’s commitment to international responsibility and peace efforts in the Middle East.

This joint statement represents the second collective response from the G7 since the conflict’s initiation by Hamas on October 7, which led to casualties and hostage-taking. The G7’s unified stance aims to provide a framework for addressing the immediate crisis and working towards a broader, sustainable peace process in the region.