UPDATE - G-7 leaders condemn Iran’s attack on Israel

By Giovanni Legorano

UPDATES HEADLINE, DECK AND TEXT, EDITS THROUGHOUT

ROME (AA) - The leaders of the G-7 group of nations unanimously condemned Iran's overnight missile and drone attack on Israel, according to a joint statement on Sunday.

“We, the Leaders of the G7, unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s direct and unprecedented attack against Israel,” the statement said. "We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security.”

The leaders’ declaration followed an emergency, remote meeting called by the Italian presidency of the G-7 on Sunday afternoon, after Iran flooded Israel with hundreds of rockets and suicide drones in retaliation for an April 1 attack on its embassy in Syria, which killed several high-ranking officials.

Israel’s army said 99% of these launches were intercepted and destroyed, with the help of US, French and British systems.

“Israel, with the help of its partners, defeated the attack,” the G-7 leaders said. “With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided."

The statement said the G-7 nations will continue to work to stabilize 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 destabilizing initiatives,” the readout said.

The leaders also pledged to step up their cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable cease-fire, the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need.

“All parties must exercise restraint. We will continue all our efforts to work towards de-escalation,” European Union Council President Charles Michel wrote on X.

“Ending the crisis in Gaza as soon as possible, notably through an immediate ceasefire, will make a difference,” he said.

Michel said the situation in the Middle East, including Lebanon, will be discussed at the European Council next week.​​​​​​​