G7 Leaders' Summit final communique likely to anger Israel
The 50th G7 Leaders' Summit, held in the Italian resort town of Borgo Egnazia with the participation of leaders from G7 countries—the US, Germany, the UK, Japan, France, Canada, and Italy—as well as the European Union (EU), concluded on its second day with the release of a final communique.
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Leaders of the G7 countries in Italy stated that they condemn all civilian casualties in the Middle East equally and view the unacceptable number of civilian deaths, particularly among women and children, with great concern.
The communique stated that G7 leaders reaffirmed their determination at this summit in Italy to address global challenges at a critical juncture in history, when the international community is facing multiple interconnected crises.
The communique, which reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine War, stated, "We are determined to continue providing military, budgetary, humanitarian, and reconstruction support to Ukraine.
We are strongly committed to helping Ukraine meet its urgent short-term financing needs and supporting its long-term recovery and reconstruction priorities."
"Russia must end its illegal war of aggression and pay for the damage it has caused to Ukraine," the communique said, noting that according to the World Bank, the damage to Ukraine has exceeded 486 billion dollars.
The communique stated the following:
"We have decided to make available approximately 50 billion dollars in funding by leveraging the extraordinary revenues of frozen Russian assets. This is a clear message to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. To support Ukraine's current and future needs against Russia, the G7 will launch Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans for Ukraine to provide approximately 50 billion dollars in additional financial support to Ukraine by the end of the year."
The communique also stated that Russia's use of nuclear weapons in the context of the war in Ukraine is unacceptable, adding, "We condemn in the strongest terms Russia's irresponsible and threatening nuclear rhetoric and its strategic intimidation posture, including its announcement of deploying nuclear weapons in Belarus. We are determined to hold those responsible for the atrocities committed against the people of Ukraine accountable in accordance with international law."
G7 leaders demanded the unhindered transport of Ukraine's grain, foodstuffs, and fertilizers through the Black Sea.
SUPPORT FOR THE GAZA CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL ANNOUNCED BY BIDEN
The communique reiterated support for Israel, stating, "Israel must act in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law, in all cases while exercising its right to self-defense."
The communique, which used the phrase, "We condemn all civilian casualties equally and view the unacceptable number of civilian deaths, particularly among women and children, with great concern," called on all parties to take concrete steps to protect civilians.
The communique emphasized support for the Gaza ceasefire proposal first announced by US President Joe Biden.
It called on Hamas to accept this proposal and urged countries with influence over Hamas to pressure it to accept the agreement.
The G7 countries called on all parties to remove obstacles to the entry of all humanitarian aid, especially those sent for women and children, while noting that the Ashdod port and the Rafah Border Crossing must be opened in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The communique pointed out that ensuring full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access through all land border crossings, maritime distribution routes, and within Gaza is a priority.
"RECOGNITION OF A PALESTINIAN STATE IS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF THE POLITICAL PROCESS"
The communique emphasized that it is critical for all United Nations (UN) agencies to be able to carry out their aid distribution duties, stating, "We are deeply concerned about the consequences of the ongoing ground operations in Rafah on the civilian population and the possibility of a full-scale military offensive that would have even worse consequences for civilians. We urge Israel to refrain from such an offensive."
The communique expressed satisfaction with the formation of the new Palestinian government and stated that support for the Palestinian Authority will continue.
The communique underscored that all actions aimed at weakening the Palestinian Authority must cease, citing Israel's withholding of certain Palestinian revenues as an example.
The communique pointed out that the economic stability of the West Bank is important for regional security. In this context, it called on Israel to provide necessary services in banking matters, take steps to ensure the continuation of trade, transfer withheld revenues to the Palestinian Authority, and remove or mitigate practices that worsen the region's economic situation.
The communique, which also emphasized commitment to a two-state solution, stated, "We note that mutual recognition, including the recognition of a Palestinian state at an appropriate time, will be an important component of this political process."
The communique, which called on all parties to refrain from actions that would undermine the two-state solution, stated, "All parties must refrain from unilateral actions that undermine the prospect of a two-state solution, including Israel's expansion of illegal Jewish settlements and their legalization. We condemn the rise in extremist Jewish settler violence against Palestinians, which undermines security and stability in the West Bank and threatens the prospect of a lasting peace."