We, the Leaders of the G7, express deep concern over the
deteriorating situation in the Middle East and condemn in the
strongest terms Iran's direct military attack against Israel,
which constitutes a serious threat to regional stability.
We unequivocally reiterate our commitment to the security of
Israel. Iran's seriously destabilizing actions throughout the
Middle East through terrorist proxies and armed groups—including
the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas— as well as Iran-aligned
militia groups in Iraq, must stop. Yesterday we discussed
coordinated efforts and actions to avoid escalation in the area.
A dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks fuelling
uncontrollable escalation in the Middle East, which is in no
one's interest. Therefore, we call on all regional players to act
responsibly and with restraint. We encourage all parties to
engage constructively to de-escalate the current tensions.
International humanitarian law must be respected.
On the eve of the tragic anniversary of Hamas' attacks on October
7, 2023, we condemn once again in the strongest possible terms
such unjustified acts of deliberate violence and stand with the
families of the victims and the hostages taken by Hamas.
We also reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,
the unconditional release of all hostages, a significant and
sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance, and an
end to the conflict. We fully endorse the efforts by the US,
Qatar and Egypt to reach such a comprehensive deal, in line with
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735. The situation in
Gaza is catastrophic, and tens of thousands of innocent lives
have been lost. We reiterate the absolute need for the civilian
population to be protected and that there must be full, rapid,
safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, as a matter of absolute
priority. We will continue working to set the conditions for a
durable peace, leading to a two State solution, where Israel and
Palestine coexist side-by-side in peace, with security for both.
We are also deeply concerned about the situation in Lebanon. We
recall the need for a cessation of hostilities as soon as
possible to create space for a diplomatic solution along the Blue
Line, consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution
1701. 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. We urge all actors to protect civilian
populations. We are committed to providing humanitarian
assistance to address the urgent needs of civilians in Lebanon.
We also express our deep condolences to the families of the
civilian victims in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon.
We underscore the importance of the United Nations in resolving
armed conflict and mitigating the humanitarian impact in the
Middle East. In this regard, we acknowledge the role of the
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to restore peace
and security. We are committed to reinforce our support to the
mission, pursuant to applicable UN resolutions.
We will continue to be in close contact with all actors to this
end.
