The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) released a statement following a virtual meeting to discuss challenges around the world.
“We remain committed to upholding the rule of law, which protects all nations, especially the vulnerable, as well as global security and human dignity in all parts of the world,” the G7 said. “We are more united than ever in the pursuit of international peace, prosperity and sustainable development, and have strengthened our engagement with international partners beyond the G7.”
Regarding the current wars in the Middle East, the group condemned the Oct. 7 terror attacks by Hamas in southern Israel and stated that “we emphasize Israel’s right to defend itself and its people against Hamas, in accordance with international law, as it seeks to prevent a recurrence of these traumatic events, which included murder, hostage-taking, sexual violence and attacks on children.”
The G7 said that Hamas “offers nothing but suffering to the Palestinian people” and that “we will continue to coordinate our efforts to isolate Hamas and ensure it cannot threaten Israel.”
It expressed regret that the terror group had failed to release all female hostages it is keeping captive in Gaza and not doing so “has shown that it still poses a security threat to Israel, as demonstrated by its continued rocket fire since October 7 and its public statements asserting that it will continue to attack Israel in the future.”
The G7 also called on Iran to stop providing support for Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.
The statement named the war’s impact on Gaza’s civilian population as a concern. “More effective action must also be taken to prevent the displacement of additional people and protect civilian infrastructure,” it read. “Every effort must be made to ensure unhindered and continued humanitarian assistance for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers.”
The group noted it had announced more than $600 million in aid, some of which the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) would distribute. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) has previously described UNRWA as “an incubator of hate for young people” and some of its teachers praised the 10/7 attacks.
U.S. President Joe Biden talked online to G7 leaders to discuss the group’s ongoing efforts to respond to the situation in the Mideast in the Mideast, as well as its unwavering support for Ukraine. Leaders also talked about progress in addressing a range of challenges, including sustainable development, climate change and artificial intelligence.
