The defence ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) countries expressed serious concerns over rising tensions in the Middle East during their recent summit held in Naples, Italy.
In a joint statement released on Saturday, the ministers highlighted their worries about escalating violence, particularly following Israeli attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). These developments have raised alarms about the potential for further conflict in an already volatile region.
The G7 ministers emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of peacekeepers, noting that all parties involved in conflicts bear the responsibility for their protection.
Their statement specifically underscored the threats facing UNIFIL and reaffirmed the G7's commitment to supporting both the peacekeeping force and the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining stability and security in Lebanon.
In addition to addressing the situation in Lebanon, the G7 ministers called for a substantial increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. They recognized the urgent need for assistance amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis, urging the international community to provide significant support to those affected by the conflict.
Furthermore, they underscored the necessity of finding a sustainable pathway toward a two-state solution as a means of addressing the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Invited to the summit were NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. Borrell took the opportunity to advocate for a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, urging respect for the UNIFIL’s operations in Lebanon.
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