IRIA News

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Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations gathered in Fiuggi, Italy, for a two-day summit on November 25-26, 2024, to conduct high-stakes discussions on pressing global crises, including escalating tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The meeting, held under Italy’s G7 presidency, also brought together representatives from the “Arab Quintet,” a coalition of regional powers, to address the urgent need for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon.

For the first time, the G7 ministers were joined by their counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the so-called “Arab Quintet,” and the Secretary General of the Arab League.

“Knock on wood,” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said as he opened the joint session for the G7 foreign ministers and Arab representatives. “We are perhaps close to a ceasefire in Lebanon,” he said. “Let’s hope it’s true and there’s no backing down at the last minute.”

“Everyone favors a ceasefire in both scenarios,” Tajani told reporters, adding that Italy had offered to take on an even greater peacekeeping role in Lebanon to oversee any ceasefire deal.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced plans for a minister-level conference in Cairo to mobilize international aid for Gaza, demonstrating the region’s proactive steps toward reconstruction and recovery.

Discussion on ICC arrest warrants

Complicating the discussions were recent developments involving the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and a senior Hamas military official.

Italy, a founding member of the ICC, finds itself navigating a delicate balance as it supports the court while maintaining strong ties with Israel, particularly after the October 7 Hamas attacks.

While Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s respect for international law, he expressed concerns about the political implications of the warrants. “We can also not agree with how [Netanyahu’s] government has led the reaction after the massacre of Oct. 7, but now we have to deal with Netanyahu to arrive at peace in Lebanon, peace in Palestine,” he said.

Persistent support for Ukraine

The G7 meeting also dedicated significant attention to the war in Ukraine, now nearing its third year. With Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in attendance, the group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the coalition’s resolve: “It’s hugely important that this G7, that all colleagues across the G7 continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it lasts.”

The third session of the #G7 Meeting on Foreign Affairs in Fiuggi is devoted to Ukraine. #G7Italy pic.twitter.com/VO6Lo8IBLx

— G7 Italy (@G7) November 26, 2024

The recent escalation in the conflict, including Russia’s use of a hypersonic missile in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes, has raised international alarm. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya condemned these attacks and reiterated Japan’s pledge for robust winterization and energy sector support for Ukraine. The issue of North Korean troops reportedly aiding Russia in combat was also condemned as an alarming development.

As the G7 prepares for Canada to assume the presidency in 2025, the outcomes of this meeting will resonate globally. The ministers’ unified stance on Ukraine and their cautious but hopeful approach to Middle Eastern ceasefires reflect the group’s commitment to global stability.

The gathering also coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a poignant reminder of broader societal challenges. Ministers inaugurated a red bench in Fiuggi, symbolizing Italy’s dedication to combating gender-based violence, a cause underscored by the deaths of nearly 100 women in Italy this year alone.

As the meeting concluded, it left behind a blueprint for addressing complex geopolitical crises while underscoring the need for sustained international cooperation, particularly with an impending shift in U.S. leadership. Whether these efforts translate into lasting peace remains to be seen, but the G7’s engagement marks a crucial step toward addressing some of the world’s most pressing conflicts.