LIVE UPDATES
In a bid to find common ground on the Israel-Hamas conflict, G7 ministers met in Tokyo on Wednesday, emphasizing their unwavering support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. While diplomatic efforts were underway, the ministers were expected to issue a joint statement later, advocating for "humanitarian pauses" in Gaza, though falling short of calling for an outright ceasefire.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, fresh from a whirlwind Middle East tour, urged the G7 to present a unified stance on the conflict, emphasizing the need for a cohesive and clear international response.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamiwaka stressed the importance of urging relevant nations to implement "humanitarian pauses" and facilitate humanitarian access, a critical precondition for sustained and adequate humanitarian assistance.
Following a working dinner focused on Gaza, a diplomatic source revealed a consensus among the ministers regarding the urgent need to expand humanitarian care for the Palestinian civilian population in the face of the ongoing humanitarian emergency. The source described "constructive exchanges" during discussions on humanitarian pauses, as well as deliberations on the future of Gaza and strategies to prevent the conflict from further escalation.
As the G7 ministers engage in deliberations, the world watches closely, hoping for diplomatic breakthroughs that can alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and contribute to the resolution of conflicts in the region.
