G7 foreign ministers issue joint statement on situation in Israel and Gaza

G7 foreign ministers issued a joint statement on the situation in Israel and Gaza, Kazinform News Agency reports.

Foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and the U.S. “welcome the release of some of the hostages and the recent pause in hostilities that has allowed a surge in humanitarian assistance to reach Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” the statement reads.

G7 calls on for immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and facilitated departure of all foreign nationals from the conflict area.

G7 also emphasizes Israel’s right to defend itself and its people in accordance with the international law to prevent a recurrence of the October 7 attacks.

We remain committed to a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution that enables both Israelis and Palestinians to live in a just, lasting, and secure peace, the statement reads.

The foreign ministers appreciated the efforts of the U.S. leadership and countries of the region, especially Qatar and Egypt, to secure this and future pauses as well as the efforts of the UN in coordination of the delivery of humanitarian aid.

G7 underscores "the importance of maritime security and calls on all parties not to threaten or interfere with lawful exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by all vessels." The foreign ministers also call on the Houthis to immediately stop attacking on civilians and "release the M/V Galaxy Leader and its crew, illegally seized from international waters on November 19."