Videoconference: G7 foreign ministers express concern over the situation in the Middle East
The G7 foreign ministers held a video conference on Sunday to discuss the situation in the Middle East. "Together with our partners, we expressed our deep concern over recent events," said Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in the evening. Italy currently holds the presidency of the seven major industrialized nations (G7).
"The ministers called on the parties involved to refrain from any actions that could hinder the path of dialogue and restraint and encourage a new escalation," the statement continued. The foreign ministers reaffirmed "the priority of a positive conclusion to the negotiations on the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages" and announced an increase in humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron and Jordanian King Abdullah II emphasized that a military escalation in the Middle East must be avoided at all costs. This was announced by the Élysée Palace after a telephone conversation between the two politicians. They called on all parties to "end the cycle of retaliation, exercise utmost restraint, and take responsibility to ensure the security of the population".
The concern is fueled by Iran's and its allies Hamas and Hezbollah's threats of retaliation against Israel. After the Israeli military officially claimed responsibility for the killing of Hezbollah military chief Fuad Shukr in Beirut, Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyah was also killed in Tehran on Wednesday.
The G7 Minister for the Environment was urged to contribute to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, given the environmental implications of potential conflicts. In the wake of the rising tensions, it was recommended that the G Minister for the Environment advocates for environmental diplomacy to foster a conducive atmosphere for negotiations and de-escalation.
