G7 Foreign Minister Supports Humanitarian Pause In Gaza Strip But Doesn't Disrupt Ceasefire

JAKARTA - The main diplomat of Group Seven (G7) voiced support for the humanitarian break in the Gaza Strip, to support the delivery of aid, evacuation of residents and release of hostages when meeting in Japan on Wednesday, but did not call for a ceasefire.

In a joint statement issued after a meeting in Tokyo, G7 foreign ministers expressed their support for Israel to defend itself in accordance with international law, condemn Hamas and call for the immediate release of all hostages detained in the enclave.

The main diplomats also called for action to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 10,000 people have been killed since the Israeli siege began more than a month ago, according to figures from Palestinian health authorities in Ramallah, taken from sources in the Hamas-controlled territory. enclave.

"We emphasize the need for immediate action to address the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza," the G7 foreign ministers said in a statement.

"All parties must provide humanitarian support without a hitch for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, as well as access for humanitarian workers. We support humanitarian breaks and two corridors to facilitate much-needed aid, civil movement, and the release of civilian hostages", the statement continued.

Their statement also said the G7 countries are committed to working with their partners to prepare a sustainable long-term solution for Gaza, as well as returning to a broader peace process that could lead to a two-state solution.

But the G7's rejection of the ceasefire left the group at odds with its Arab counterparts and more and more international votes, as support for Israel's military campaigns showed deepening erosion.

Separately, the US Secretary of State in a post on X praised the G7 unity, underlining support for Israel.

"The G7 is more united than ever. We are united in condemning Russia's war in Ukraine, supporting Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law and maintaining a rule-based international order," Foreign Minister Blinken wrote.