US Secretary of State Blinken urges G7 unity on Israel-Hamas crisis amidst global tensions
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges G7 leaders to find consensus on Israel-Hamas conflict at their two-day talks in Japan, amid other pressing issues including Russia-Ukraine tensions and China's global assertiveness.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrial democracies to come together and find a consensus on the Israel-Hamas crisis. As Blinken and his G7 counterparts began their two-day talks in Japan, he stressed the importance of unity and preventing existing differences on Gaza from deepening. The devastating month-long conflict in Gaza and efforts to alleviate the humanitarian impacts of the Israeli assault will be a major focus of the meeting.
Today I thanked @JPN_PMO Kishida Fumio for his government’s strong leadership of the @G7 during this very difficult year in the in face of unprecedented global challenges. We are grateful to Japan for its pledge to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. pic.twitter.com/LHDRSVI0Zl
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) November 7, 2023
However, with other crises such as the Russia-Ukraine war and concerns about China's increasing global assertiveness, there are multiple issues on the agenda. During the talks, the G7 members expressed their support for a strong common stance on Gaza. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock highlighted that Israel has the right and duty to protect its population within the framework of international law. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated that his government supports a specific "humanitarian pause" but not a wider cease-fire, as Hamas leadership's commitment to a cease-fire remains uncertain. Apart from the Israel-Hamas crisis, the G7 meetings will also address the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The group is expected to condemn Russia and reiterate its commitment to Ukraine. Additionally, the G7 leaders will discuss further strengthening military cooperation between Japan and the United Kingdom, as well as deepen ties with Central Asian countries. Overall, the G7 aims to find common ground on multiple fronts, protecting stability in the Middle East, addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, enhancing Japan-UK military cooperation, and strengthening relationships with Central Asian nations.
