US President Joe Biden (C), Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attend a meeting at the G7 Summit. AFP
The statement expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, while also condemning Iran’s recent attack on Israel.
“Iran’s seriously destabilizing actions throughout the Middle East,” the statement added.
The statement warned that “a dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks fuelling uncontrollable escalation in the Middle East.”
The G7 endorsed efforts by mediators to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Israeli war on Gaza and reiterated the group's stated commitment to an immediate ceasefire, the release of all captives, and an increase in humanitarian aid flowing to the strip.
The statement also addressed the increasing Israeli aggression in Lebanon calling “for a diplomatic solution along the Blue Line, consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.”
The Blue Line is a demarcation line established by the United Nations to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from southern Lebanon in 2000.
“This is the only path to durably de-escalate tensions, stabilize the Israel-Lebanon border, fully restore the sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability of Lebanon, and return displaced citizens to their homes with safety and security on both sides,” declared the statement.
The statement acknowledged “ the role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to restore peace and security.”
It expressed condolences to “the families of the civilian victims in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon.”
The Israeli airstrikes against towns and villages across Lebanon killed 2,000 and wounded more than 9,000 since 16 September.
On Tuesday, Iran fired 200 missiles at Israel, including hypersonic weapons for the first time, in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut.
Months of US-Qatari-Egyptian mediation efforts failed to presssure Israel to halt its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, which killed and wounded more than 140,000 Palestinians since 7 October 2023.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has vowed to support Israel's plans to retaliate against the Iranian attack, but asked Tel Aviv not to target Iran's nuclear program.
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