Tokyo (dpa) – Germany and the other states of the G7 group of economically strong democracies have appealed for humanitarian pauses in the Gaza war and for corridors to be established to facilitate the supply of aid and the release of hostages. “All parties must allow unimpeded humanitarian support for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers,” read the final statement of the meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Tokyo. On behalf of Germany, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had travelled to the Japanese capital.
The G7 group of economically strong democracies comprises Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Canada, the USA and the UK. In their statement, the G7 countries emphasised Israel’s right to defend itself and the importance of protecting civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. The only path to a just, lasting and secure peace remained a two-state solution, they said. “Israelis and Palestinians have an equal right to live in safety, dignity and peace,” the group declared, and stressed: “We reject antisemitism and Islamophobia in any form in our own societies and anywhere in the world.”
In addition, the G7 states committed to standing by Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia, “for as long as it takes, while increasing economic pressure and imposing robust sanctions and other restrictions against Russia”. Efforts were being increased to help Ukraine meet its winter preparedness needs, the statement explained. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also joined the G7 talks on Ukraine for a time via a video link.