The G7 foreign ministers announced in a joint statement that they support the extension of the current ceasefire and future ceasefires in Gaza if necessary, to increase aid and facilitate the release of all hostages. The joint statement emphasized, "Every possible effort must be made to ensure (the delivery of) humanitarian support for civilians, including food, water, fuel, and medical supplies. We support the extension of this ceasefire and future ceasefires as needed to allow for increased assistance and facilitate the release of civilians."
The current ceasefire has granted Gaza, governed by Hamas, its first respite after seven weeks of bombardment, which has turned much of the coastal enclave into ruins and resulted in the deaths of over 15,000 people, according to health officials there. The G7 statement also welcomed the release of some hostages held by Hamas since the attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths.
The G7 urged for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The group reaffirmed "Israel's right to defend itself and its people" but also emphasized the importance of "protecting civilians and complying with international law." They also expressed their commitment to establishing a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution.
The G7 foreign ministers warned against the escalation of the conflict and urged the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen to stop threatening international shipping lanes and commercial vessels, calling for the release of the commercial vessel Galaxy Leader and its crew that they had detained on November 19.
