Top diplomats from the Group of Seven leading industrial democracies have reached a unified stance on the Israel-Hamas war, condemning Hamas and supporting Israel’s right to self-defense. The diplomats also called for “humanitarian pauses” to provide aid to the desperate civilians in the Gaza Strip.
During their two-day meeting in Tokyo, the G7 nations aimed to strike a balance between criticizing Hamas’ attacks on Israel and addressing the urgent need to help civilians in Gaza. They emphasized the importance of allowing unimpeded humanitarian support, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, as well as access for humanitarian workers. The G7 nations also expressed support for humanitarian pauses and corridors to facilitate the delivery of assistance, civilian movement, and the release of hostages.
The meeting was held to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza while preventing further escalation of the conflict. The ministers stressed the unity of the G7 and its commitment to preventing the conflict from spreading wider. They also discussed using sanctions and other measures to prevent Hamas from raising and using funds for atrocities. Additionally, the ministers condemned the rise in extremist settler violence against Palestinians, which undermines security in the West Bank and jeopardizes prospects for lasting peace.
Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have been fleeing south on foot due to the lack of food and water in the north. Israel’s troops are engaged in battles with Hamas militants in Gaza City, which was home to 650,000 people before the war. The situation in and around Gaza’s largest city has become increasingly desperate due to heavy Israeli bombardment.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the desire to end the conflict as soon as possible and minimize civilian suffering. However, he also highlighted the challenge of addressing the potential consequences of an immediate cease-fire, such as leaving Hamas in power with hostages and the capacity to repeat attacks. Looking ahead, Blinken emphasized key elements for the post-war period, including no forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, no use of Gaza for terrorism, no reoccupation of Gaza, no blockade or siege of Gaza, and no reduction in Gaza’s territory. He also emphasized the need to prevent terrorist threats from emanating from the West Bank.
In addition to discussing the Gaza conflict, the G7 envoys addressed other global crises, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, and China’s growing aggression in territorial disputes. They also discussed the need for cooperation in combating pandemics, synthetic opioids, and threats from the misuse of artificial intelligence.
The G7 nations have maintained their unity in defense of the international order since before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite some fraying around the edges, the group has continued to condemn and oppose Russia’s invasion, reaffirming their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s fight for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa emphasized the G7’s condemnation of North Korea’s ballistic missile launches, as well as arms transfers from North Korea to Russia, which violate relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. Kamikawa stressed the importance of G7 unity and cooperation in addressing global conflicts and tensions. She also highlighted the need for the G7 to engage candidly with China, express concerns directly, and work together on common global challenges.
Blinken has been advocating for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and urging Israel to agree to pauses in its military operations to facilitate aid delivery and allow more civilians to evacuate. However, Israel remains unconvinced, and Arab and Muslim nations are demanding an immediate full cease-fire, which the United States opposes. There is also resistance to discussing Gaza’s future, with Arab states insisting on addressing the immediate humanitarian crisis first.
While there have been some differences within the G7 regarding Gaza, such as France voting in favor of a resolution for a humanitarian truce that was vetoed by the United States, the group remains committed to finding a solution. Pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel demonstrations have taken place in G7 capitals and other locations, highlighting the intense passions surrounding the issue.
Blinken’s visit to Tokyo followed a four-day tour of the Middle East, including stops in Israel, Jordan, the West Bank, Cyprus, and Iraq. He will continue his travels to South Korea and India after leaving Japan.
