Tension between Iran and Israel dominated the final day of discussions at the G7 meeting in Italy. Foreign ministers called for de-escalation, while threatening further sanctions against Iran.

Capri

Tensions between Iran and Israel were the focal point on the final discussions at the G7 meeting held in Italy. The gathering of foreign ministers from the G7 countries centered on escalating tensions in the Middle East, specifically between Iran and Israel. The ministers voiced their call for de-escalation and hinted at the possibility of imposing further sanctions against Iran in response to its actions.

The atmosphere was charged following an incident where Israel targeted locations within Iran. This act significantly influenced the tone and direction of discussions among the G7 foreign ministers. The host of the meeting acknowledged that the United States had been informed by Israel about the strikes beforehand. However, there was no detailed sharing of information or cooperative strategy regarding the offensive operations. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken provided limited details about the involvement or stance of the United States in these operations but emphasized the united front of the G7 nations towards de-escalation in the Middle East.

Antony Blinken highlighted the G7's commitment to Israel's security, paralleled by a determination to de-escalate the situation and aim for a peaceful resolution. The final communique from the G7 underscored this dual commitment, stressing the need to hold Iran accountable for its destabilizing activities in the region. Among the proposed measures, the communique specified efforts to degrade Iran's missile and drone capabilities as a way to address the issue.

The meeting was not solely focused on Iran and Israel. The foreign ministers discussed a wide range of pressing global issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as matters concerning the Indo-Pacific region. However, the Middle East, particularly the interaction between Iran and Israel, dominated the discussions. There was a notable emphasis on encouraging steps towards a ceasefire in Gaza and critical remarks on Israel's limitations on humanitarian aid flow into the area.

In the context of Gaza, particular concern was noted regarding Israel's potential large-scale military incursion into Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip. Should such actions proceed, G7 ministers warned of the catastrophic consequences, especially given the high number of people seeking refuge in the area. The discourse at the G7 meeting in Italy underscored the complex geopolitical challenges in the Middle East, with a unified call for escalation reduction and humanitarian considerations.



G7 considers further sanctions against Iran

After Israel struck targets in Iran early on Friday, there was little chance of business as usual among G7 foreign ministers. Their host on the island of Capri confirming the US had received prior warning from Israel. I think it's already known. The US was informed at the last minute. But there was no sharing by the US. It was mere information. Secretary of State Antony Blinken refused to be drawn on the details. I'm going to be incredibly boring and not make your day by saying, again, I'm not going to speak to what's been reported other than to say that the United States has not been involved in any offensive operations. Setting out the main points of the final communique, he said the G7 was more united than ever in working to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. We're committed to Israel's security. We're also committed to de-escalating, to trying to bring this tension to a close. You saw as well, or you'll see soon in the G7 statement, a commitment to hold Iran to account, to account for its destabilizing activities, holding it to account by degrading its missile and drone capabilities. It's an idyllic location in which G7 foreign ministers confronted a sea of problems, from Iran and Israel to Gaza, Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific. The Middle East dominated, of course, with ministers repeating the mantra of de-escalation, to be followed, they said, by renewed efforts towards a ceasefire in Gaza. They were critical of Israel's failure to allow the full flow of aid into Gaza. As the G7, we underline what my colleague David Cameron and I made clear in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Despite recognizable initial steps towards more humanitarian aid, this is not enough. The Israeli government has a duty to help end the humanitarian suffering of so many people and especially the children in Gaza. And amid signs that Israel is still planning a large-scale incursion into Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip, the German foreign minister echoed Secretary Blinken in restating their objection. With up to 1.4 million people sheltering there, they said, it would lead to catastrophic consequences. Jonah Hull, Al Jazeera, Capri.

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