TOKYO. G7 diplomats have reached a unified stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict following intense meetings in Tokyo. The Group of Seven nations condemned Hamas, expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense, and called for “humanitarian pauses” to expedite aid delivery to civilians in Gaza.
In a joint statement after two days of discussions, G7 foreign ministers, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, affirmed the need for unimpeded humanitarian assistance, emphasizing the importance of providing food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter to those in need. They also advocated for humanitarian pauses and corridors to facilitate aid delivery and the release of hostages.
The G7 meeting aimed to address the escalating humanitarian crisis while avoiding deepening differences over Gaza. Blinken stressed the importance of G7 unity in these challenging times.
In addition to the humanitarian aspect, the G7 ministers are working to prevent further escalation of the conflict, using sanctions to restrict Hamas’s ability to raise funds for violent acts. They also condemned extremist settler violence against Palestinians, noting its detrimental impact on the West Bank’s security and prospects for lasting peace.
As the G7 met in Tokyo, thousands of Palestinians in Gaza were forced to flee southward due to food and water shortages, while Israel’s military engaged in intense combat with Hamas militants within Gaza City. The situation in and around the city remains dire.
Blinken shared key elements for post-war considerations, including preventing the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, using Gaza as a platform for terrorism, or reoccupying the territory. He also emphasized the need to ensure that terrorist threats do not emanate from the West Bank.
The G7 ministers addressed various global crises, including the conflict in Ukraine, North Korea’s missile programs, and China’s territorial disputes. They also discussed cooperation on pandemics, synthetic opioids, and the misuse of artificial intelligence.
The G7 remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. The ministers strongly condemned North Korea’s ballistic missile launches and arms transfers to Russia, in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Efforts to expand humanitarian aid to Gaza and establish “pauses” in Israel’s military operations continue, although challenges persist. Arab and Muslim nations demand an immediate ceasefire, while discussions on Gaza’s future have been delayed to prioritize addressing the immediate humanitarian crisis.
Despite some differences within the G7 on the Gaza issue, the group remains committed to finding a resolution to the conflict. Recent pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel demonstrations have occurred in G7 capitals and worldwide.
Blinken’s visit to Tokyo followed a Middle East tour, which included stops in Israel, Jordan, the West Bank, Cyprus, and Iraq. His next destinations are South Korea and India.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
