G7 foreign ministers stepped up pressure on Israel to accept a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying “now is the time to complete a diplomatic settlement.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barro said it was opening a “window of opportunity” for a possible cease-fire in Lebanon, adding that he hoped the parties involved would seize the opportunity.
In a draft statement at the end of a two-day meeting, G7 ministers called on Israel to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians and condemned increasing settler violence in the West Bank.
The ministers also condemned the recent attack on the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and expressed their support for the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, saying it plays a “vital role”.
Fire in Russia and North Korea
The foreign ministers of the G7 countries expressed their support for Ukraine on Tuesday and condemned what they described as “Russia’s irresponsible and threatening nuclear rhetoric.”
They also warned that North Korea’s support for Russia signals a dangerous extension of the conflict in Ukraine, with serious implications for the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Concern about China, stability in Taiwan Strait vital
G7 foreign ministers also expressed concern over Chinese trade practices, which they said lead to harmful overcapacity and market distortions.
They called on China to refrain from export control measures, particularly for critical minerals, which could lead to major supply chain disruptions. They also said that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is vital to international security.
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