G7 Condemns Settler Violence in West Bank and Calls for Ceasefire in Lebanon
The G7 nations have issued a strong condemnation of the escalating violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. Following a two-day meeting in Italy, the foreign ministers expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, highlighting serious violations including assaults on residents and property vandalism. The G7's statement underscores the urgent need for Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict.
Urgent Call for Diplomatic Solutions
In addition to addressing the violence in the West Bank, the G7 ministers intensified their calls for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. They emphasized that now is the critical time for diplomatic negotiations to resolve the ongoing hostilities. The group also condemned recent attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and reaffirmed their support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), recognizing its essential role in providing aid to those affected by the conflict.
Humanitarian Crisis Escalates
The discussions among G7 ministers also encompassed broader issues affecting the Middle East, including the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, the release of Israeli prisoners, and the tensions between Israel and Iran. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, with reports indicating over 149,000 Palestinian casualties, predominantly among women and children. The situation in Lebanon is similarly dire, with over 3,000 reported deaths due to Israeli aggression and widespread displacement of residents in southern regions.
