NAPLES: G7 defense ministers have started talks today against a backdrop of escalation in the Middle East and increasing pressure on Ukraine as it confronts another winter of fighting.
Italian Minister for Defense Affairs Guido Crosetto has welcomed each of the attendees, who also included NATO chief Mark Rutte.
Crosetto stated on Friday in Brussels he has requested the summit, given many issues facing the world. Crosetto added that ample space would be given to hold talks on the current escalating Middle East crisis during the one-day summit. Also on the agenda is the conflict in Ukraine, development as well as security in Africa and situation in the Asia-Pacific.
READ ALSO: Hamas Confirms Yahya Sinwar’s Killing
The recent development comes two days following Israel claimed it had killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of the October 7, 2023 strikes on Israel that triggered the devastating retaliatory war in the Gaza Strip.
Italian PM, Giorgia Meloni, was in Lebanon on Friday, where Israel is also at war with Hezbollah. Speaking in Beirut, she slammed assaults on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon as “unacceptable” following the UN troops accused Israel of attacking their positions.
