G7 Prepared to Address Iranian Destabilization with Measures
Over the weekend, G7 leaders expressed unwavering solidarity with Israel in the wake of Iran’s retaliatory attack. They pledged their readiness to implement additional actions in response to any future destabilizing actions.
In a statement released after a virtual meeting, the leaders of the Group of Seven powers came together to strongly denounce Iran’s direct and unprecedented assault on Israel.
In a statement released by the Italian G7 presidency, it was declared, “We stand in full solidarity with Israel and its people, offering our unwavering support and reiterating our dedication to ensuring its security.”
“With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilisation of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided.
“We will continue to work to stabilise the situation and avoid further escalation.
“In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a separate statement: “Going forward we will reflect on additional sanctions against Iran in close cooperation with our partners. Specifically on its drone and missile programmes.”
Iran launched the attack, its first ever to directly target Israeli territory, in retaliation for a deadly air strike widely blamed on Israel that destroyed its consular building in Syria’s capital early this month.
The attack came as Israel’s destructive war on Gaza continued to rage on, killing at least 33,729 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly of whom are women and children.
The G7 — which groups the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy and Canada — also said Sunday they would step up efforts to end that crisis.
“We will also strengthen our cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need,” they said.
