Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) countries support the further extension of the pause and future pauses as needed in fighting in Gaza to increase assistance and facilitate the release of all hostages, they said in a joint statement.
G7, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the High Representative of the European Union, expressed their satisfaction over the recent release of some hostages taken on October 7 by Hamas and the temporary ceasefire that has allowed humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, G7 said in a joined statement on Tuesday.
“Every effort must be made to ensure humanitarian support for civilians, including food, water, fuel, and medical supplies. We support the further extension of this pause and future pauses as needed to enable assistance to be scaled up, and to facilitate the release of all hostages,” the joint statement added.
G7 commended the leadership of the United States and regional countries, especially Qatar and Egypt for their efforts to secure the humanitarian pauses.
The group called on all parties to build on the provisions of the deal, ensuring sustained humanitarian aid, including food, water, fuel, and medical supplies, reaches civilians in Gaza.
They expressed support for extending the pause and any future pauses needed to scale up assistance and secure the release of all hostages.
Highlighting the importance of protecting civilians and compliance with international law, particularly international humanitarian law, the G7 reiterated its commitment to working with all partners in the region to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
The ministers emphasized the significance of maritime security, calling on all parties not to threaten or interfere with the lawful exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by all vessels.
Specifically, the G7 urged the Houthis to cease attacks on civilians, threats to international shipping lanes, and the release of the M/V Galaxy Leader tanker and its crew, which was illegally seized from international waters on November 19.
Affirming their dedication to a two-state solution, the G7 reiterated their commitment to a Palestinian state that enables both Israelis and Palestinians to live in a just, lasting, and secure peace.
