G7 calls for increased humanitarian aid for Gaza

(Keystone-ATS) G7 defense ministers on Saturday called for “a significant and lasting increase” in humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. They also demand an “immediate ceasefire” in the Palestinian territory.

“The G7 countries are united in supporting the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and lasting increase in humanitarian aid flows throughout the Gaza Strip and a path sustainable towards a two-state solution”, indicated in a joint declaration the ministers of the Group of Seven (United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, United States, Japan) meeting in Naples.

The defense ministers also called on Iran to stop supporting Palestinian Hamas but also its Hezbollah allies in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen engaged in separate fronts against Israel. They urge the Islamic Republic “to refrain (…) from taking any additional measures likely to destabilize the region and trigger a process of uncontrolled escalation”.

The G7 also says it is “concerned by recent developments in Lebanon and the risk of further escalation. We express our concern over all threats to the security of UNIFIL. The protection of peacekeepers is the responsibility of all parties in a conflict,” the statement said.