G-7 foreign ministers back further extension of pause in Gaza conflict

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - Foreign ministers from Group of Seven (G-7) nations have voiced support for again extending the current pause in the conflict in Gaza, stressing the need to protect civilians.

In a joint statement, the diplomats from G-7 nations said every effort must be made to ensure humanitarian support for civilians, including food, water, fuel, and medical supplies.

"We support the further extension of this pause and future pauses as needed to enable assistance to be scaled up, and to facilitate the release of all hostages," said the statement by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, and European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

They called the recently extended pause "a crucial step towards bringing all remaining hostages home and addressing the full scope of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza."

Stressing the importance of protecting civilians and compliance with international law, the foreign ministers said, "We remain steadfast in our commitment to work with all partners in the region to prevent the conflict from escalating further."

They also expressed their commitment to a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Qatar announced an agreement late Monday to extend an initial four-day humanitarian pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas for an additional two days, under which further prisoner exchanges will be carried out.

Israel launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

It has since killed over 15,000 people, including 6,150 children and 4,000 women, according to health authorities in the enclave.

The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.