(Reuters) – G7 leaders meeting by videoconference on Sunday adopted a joint statement “strongly condemning” Iran’s attack and “reiterating their full support for Israel’s security.”
The leaders “underlined the need to avoid further escalation, calling on the parties to refrain from any action aimed at increasing tensions in the region”, we can read in a statement published by Italy, which ensures the rotating presidency of the G7.
“To this end, the G7 appealed to end the crisis in Gaza through the cessation of hostilities and the release of hostages by Hamas,” according to the joint statement.
The G7 also guaranteed the continuation of humanitarian aid for the Palestinian population.
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Earlier, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, declared after the meeting on the social network “show restraint”.
The Iranian attack was carried out in response to a suspected Israeli airstrike launched against the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, on April 1.
“We express our solidarity and support to the people of Israel. And we reaffirm our commitment to their security. We will continue to work to stabilize the situation,” declared for her part on X the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
US President Joe Biden had promised a coordinated G7 diplomatic response to the drone and missile attack, which he condemned and deemed “brazen”.
The G7 brings together the United States, Canada, Italy, Great Britain, France, Germany and Japan.
The situation in the Middle East, including in Lebanon, will be examined at the European Council next week, added Charles Michel.
(Reuters reporting, with Elizabeth Pineau in Paris, writing by Kate Entringer)
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