NAPLES: Defence ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations convened in Naples on Saturday, expressing deep concern over escalating Israeli violence in Lebanon and pledging “unwavering support” for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.
The meeting, hosted by Italy, took place against the backdrop of multiple global conflicts, with the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East dominating discussions.
In a joint statement, the G7 ministers from Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Canada, and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine, vowing to continue military assistance in both the short and long term.
“We underscore our intent to continue to provide assistance to Ukraine, including military assistance,” the G7 statement read.
The ministers also addressed the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon, where recent Israeli attacks on United Nations peacekeepers have drawn international concern. The ministers condemned the Israeli strikes and called for heightened protection for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
“We express concern over all threats to UNIFIL’s security,” the ministers said.
Meanwhile, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell suggested that UNIFIL’s mandate should be strengthened to allow the peacekeeping force to better respond to threats. Borrell emphasized the need for “a more robust mandate” from the UN Security Council.
The summit took place just days after Israel announced the killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar. Borrell noted that Sinwar’s death could provide an opportunity to broker a ceasefire and work towards resolving the conflict.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who also attended the meeting, emphasized the importance of seizing the moment to de-escalate the situation.
The G7 ministers also discussed concerns about instability in other regions, including sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia-Pacific. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto described the current global security landscape as deteriorating, with little optimism for the near future.
G7 ministers reiterated the importance of maintaining international support for Ukraine.
During his visit to Berlin on Friday, US President Joe Biden urged NATO allies to remain steadfast in backing Ukraine, emphasizing that “supporters of Kyiv cannot let up.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, facing mounting pressure to outline a clear path to victory, recently presented a “victory plan” to the European Union and NATO. His proposal included calls for NATO membership and the ability to target Russian military sites, but these demands have so far been met with hesitation from the alliance.
