G7 calls for deescalation in Middle East

Capri (dpa) - Following a meeting on the Italian island of Capri, the G7 foreign ministers have called on all sides to avoid at all costs any escalation in the Middle East. The German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged that now was “the time to do everything possible to ensure no further escalation with unforeseeable consequences for the entire region”. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who was hosting the meeting, said on behalf of the group as a whole: “The G7 supports the security of Israel, but we call on all parties to avoid escalation.” In the statement, Iran was also urged to end its support for Hamas in the Palestinian territories, Hezbollah in Lebanon and other non-state actors. 

Following dramatic appeals from Ukraine for more military support, the G7 pledged to provide more assistance to repel Russian air strikes. “We express our resolve in particular to bolster Ukraine’s air defence capabilities to save lives and protect critical infrastructure,” the statement reads. Beforehand, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Baerbock had urged their partners to supply Kyiv with further air defence systems as soon as possible. Germany is currently preparing the shipment of a third Patriot system. 

All foreign ministers stressed the importance of cooperation. Baerbock said: “This is the time for us to stand particularly closely together as democracies and value partners.”