The group’s defense ministers stepped up support for the Ukrainians and called for increased humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the release of hostages. The meeting takes place in the midst of a new escalation of conflicts. Defense ministers of the powers that form the G7 said they support the “irreversible” path of Ukraine’s membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in a joint statement published this Saturday (19/10). Representatives of the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan also expressed concern about the attacks suffered by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) and called for more humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.
The text is the result of a meeting of the group’s defense ministers, which took place in the context of a new Russian advance in Ukraine. Last night Moscow launched an air attack that lasted more than three hours on the Ukrainian capital. Kiev’s anti-aircraft systems intercepted the drones, but one person was injured.
In the final statement, the G7 supported Ukraine’s “irreversible path towards full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership”.
“We reaffirm our intention to continue offering assistance to Ukraine, including military assistance, in the short and long term,” the text completes.
Russia again said on Saturday that Ukraine’s entry into NATO would eliminate any chance of a peaceful solution to the conflict. The statements were made after the publication of Ukraine’s “victory plan,” which includes joining the treaty.
G7 wants humanitarian assistance to Gaza and ‘two-state solution’
The day was also marked by a new escalation of the conflict between Israel and the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah, considered a terrorist organization by countries such as the United States.
This Saturday a drone was even aimed at the holiday home of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Nobody was injured. Hours later, Israel carried out new airstrikes in southern Beirut, the Lebanese capital.
In the statement, the G7 defense ministers also called for “a significant and lasting increase” in humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, devastated by a serious food crisis due to the conflict between the Palestinian extremist group Hamas, also considered a terrorist organization from the United States, the European Union and Israel.
“The G7 countries are united in supporting the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and lasting increase in humanitarian aid flows through the Gaza Strip and a sustainable path towards a solution between two States”, the text states.
G7 calls on Iran to stop supporting Hamas and Hezbollah
The defense ministers also called on Iran to stop supporting Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi rebels in Yemen, who maintain separate fronts against Israel.
The G7 “urges Iran to refrain from providing support to Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis and other non-state actors, as well as from taking any additional measures that could destabilize the region and trigger a process of uncontrolled escalation,” the G7 said. department heads.
Previously, Netanyahu had even accused Iran of trying to assassinate him with the drone attack that hit his house.
The portfolio chiefs also discussed China’s military activities around Taiwan and rising border tensions between North and South Korea.
The Group sees the global security situation as “deteriorated”.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, who hosted the meeting in the city of Naples, said the G7 cannot resolve global tensions alone but should encourage broader action in the international community. Representatives of NATO, the European Union and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov also participated in the talks.
In his opening speech, Crosetto warned of the global “deterioration of the security picture” and said the short-term outlook for conflict resolution is “not positive.” He stressed that tensions are fueled by the confrontation between “two different and perhaps incompatible worldviews.”
gq (dw, efe, dpa, reuters)
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
