G7 defence summit considers Gaza, Lebanon as conflicts rage
- The G7 defence summit in Naples addressed the escalating conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and peace amid increasing violence and humanitarian crises.
- The G7 expressed deep concern over the situation on the Israeli-Lebanese border and reiterated support for a two-state solution in the Middle East, along with backing ongoing mediation efforts by the US, Egypt, and Qatar for a resolution in Gaza.
- The summit also focused on global security issues, including the conflict in Ukraine and regional threats in Africa and the Asia-Pacific, with a commitment to upholding international law, protecting civilians, and ensuring the peacekeeping effectiveness of UN forces in Lebanon.
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A Historic Moment for Global Security
The G7 defence summit convened on Saturday, against a backdrop of escalating conflicts in the Middle East and mounting pressure on Ukraine as it faces another winter of war. The meeting, held in Naples, Italy, brought together defence ministers from the world's seven largest economies to address these pressing issues and explore strategies for de-escalation and peace.
The Middle East: A Complex Web of Violence
The situation in the Middle East remains treacherously volatile. The recent killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar has been hailed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the "beginning of the end" of the war against Hamas. However, the conflict has only intensified, with Israel launching waves of airstrikes on Lebanon, killing over 560 people, including 95 women and 50 children, and injuring 1,835 others.
Hezbollah has retaliated with coordinated electronic device explosions in Lebanon, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. The Israeli government has broadened its objectives in the conflict with Gaza, aiming to facilitate the return of residents who were forced to flee their homes due to Hezbollah’s assaults in northern Israel.
G7's Deep Concern Over the Situation
The G7 foreign ministers expressed their deep concern over the escalating situation along the Blue Line, the de facto Israeli-Lebanese border. In a joint statement, they called for a stop to the "current destructive cycle" and emphasized that no country stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East.
The G7 reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the vision of a two-state solution, where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders. They highlighted the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under Palestinian Authority and stressed the mutual recognition of a Palestinian state at the appropriate time.
Mediation Efforts in Gaza
The G7 members also expressed their strong support for the ongoing mediation efforts undertaken by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to reach a resolution between the parties to the conflict in Gaza. They reiterated their full commitment to the implementation of UNSC Resolution 2735 (2024) and the comprehensive deal outlined in May that would lead to an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and an enduring end to the crisis.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. The G7 members expressed deep alarm over the heavy toll this conflict has taken on civilians, deploring all losses of civilian lives. They called for the protection of civilians to be an absolute priority for all parties at all times and urged all parties to allow the unimpeded delivery of aid and ensure the protection of humanitarian workers by properly implementing de-confliction measures.
War in Ukraine: A Global Concern
The conflict in Ukraine continues to be a major global concern. The G7 members reaffirmed their unwavering support to Ukraine against Russian attacks. They strongly condemned Russia's blatant breach of international law, including the UN Charter, and of the basic principles that underpin the international order.
Any targeting of civilian buildings by Russia is considered unacceptable by the G7. They also expressed outrage at Russia's repeated attacks against critical infrastructure and condemned any targeting of civilian buildings in the strongest possible terms. Furthermore, any use of nuclear weapons by Russia in the context of its war on Ukraine would be inadmissible.
Security Concerns in Africa and Asia-Pacific
The G7 defence summit did not focus solely on the Middle East and Ukraine. The agenda also included security concerns in Africa and the Asia-Pacific. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized the importance of addressing these regional issues during this historic moment. The meeting aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current global security landscape and explore ways to mitigate risks.
The Role of UN Interim Force in Lebanon
Italy, which holds the rotating G7 presidency, hosted the summit in Naples, a city with significant strategic importance due to its NATO base. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was in Lebanon on Friday, where she condemned attacks on United Nations peacekeepers as "unacceptable." Italy has around 1,000 troops as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping force, which has soldiers from more than 50 countries, including 16 within the EU.
Conclusion
The G7 defence summit on Saturday was a critical moment for global security. The escalating conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine underscored the need for immediate action and sustained diplomatic efforts. While the path to peace is fraught with challenges, the G7's commitment to upholding international law and protecting civilians remains steadfast. As the world navigates these treacherous times, one thing is clear: collective action and cooperation are essential for resolving these conflicts and ensuring a more secure future for all.
