The war in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine, China’s aggressive behavior in the Indo-Pacific: the economically strong democracies speak with one voice in the world’s crises. But are they heard?
The G7 countries have called for humanitarian ceasefires and the establishment of corridors in the Gaza war to facilitate aid deliveries and the release of hostages. “All parties must provide unhindered humanitarian assistance to the civilian population, including food, water, medical care, fuel and shelter, as well as access for humanitarian workers,” said the final statement of the meeting of foreign ministers of the G7 round of economically strong democracies in Tokyo .
The G7 countries of economically strong democracies include Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Canada, the USA and Great Britain. Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) traveled to the Japanese capital on behalf of Germany.
The G7 countries demanded that all hostages kidnapped in the terrorist attack by the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip at the beginning of October must be released immediately without any preconditions. In addition, foreign nationals must continue to be allowed to leave the country.
Baerbock confirms the departure of more than 200 Germans from Gaza
Baerbock had previously confirmed the departure of more than 200 Germans and their family members from the Gaza Strip. “This gives hope in the midst of the terrible situation in Gaza,” she wrote on the platform X (formerly Twitter). “Many thanks to our partners in Egypt for their support,” she added. We will continue to work “until every German who wants to leave the country can do so.”
In their paper, the G7 countries emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense and the importance of protecting civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. The only path to a just, lasting and secure peace remains a two-state solution. “Israelis and Palestinians have the same right to live in security, dignity and peace,” the group said, underlining: “We reject anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in all forms in our own societies and around the world.”
“Extremist settler violence in the West Bank unacceptable”
Referring to the tense situation in the West Bank, it said, “the increase in extremist settler violence against Palestinians is unacceptable, undermines security in the West Bank and threatens the prospects for lasting peace.” We are working “intensively” with partners in the region to prevent further escalation and spread of the conflict. The G7 is demanding that Iran end its support for Hamas and the Lebanese Hezbollah. Rather, Tehran should use its influence over these groups to de-escalate regional tensions.
The joint G7 statement is also particularly important because there were different voting patterns in a vote in the UN General Assembly on October 27th. A Jordanian resolution to improve the humanitarian situation and for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip received the necessary two-thirds majority. However, the USA voted against the paper and France voted for it. Germany abstained.
Increased winter aid for Ukraine – Kuleba switched on
The G7 states reiterated that they will stand by Russia-attacked Ukraine “for as long as necessary, while increasing economic pressure and imposing robust sanctions and other restrictions against Russia.” Efforts are being stepped up to help Ukraine manage its winter preparations. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was also temporarily connected to the G7 consultations on Ukraine via video.
China’s participation in Ukraine-led peace efforts is welcomed by G7 countries. At the same time, the group calls on Beijing not to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. China should urge Russia to end its aggression and support a just and lasting peace.
The situation in the Indo-Pacific is also an issue
The G7 ministers also discussed the situation in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, Baerbock had said that since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, we had “learned painfully how aggressive rhetoric or fantasy maps can become dangerous reality.” She did not explicitly mention China’s threats against the island state of Taiwan, but emphasized: “We must work together today to ensure that no new theaters of war arise whose shock waves would shake us all.”
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
