Foreign Ministers Meeting: G7 Round for Ceasefires and Two-State Solution in the Middle East

The G7 states of economically strong democracies consider an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel to be the only long-term solution to the Gaza war. A two-state structure in which both “live side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition” is “the only path to a just, lasting and secure peace,” said the final declaration of the meeting of the G7 foreign ministers and minister in Tokyo.

“We need clever solutions as to how and by whom Gaza can be managed in the future. And we need practical steps towards a two-state solution, even if it may be a long way off,” said Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock afterwards. In addition to Germany, the G7 group also includes France, Italy, Japan, Canada, the USA and Great Britain.

Baerbock: The Gaza Strip must neither be occupied nor reduced in size

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after the meeting in the Japanese capital: “The reality is that some transition period may be necessary after the end of the conflict.” Baerbock said, similar to Blinken, that Gaza should not pose a terrorist threat to Israel in the future, Palestinians should not be driven out of Gaza, and there should be no occupation or reduction in the size of the Gaza Strip. At the same time, she warned that “there must be no solution over the heads of the Palestinians.”

G7 countries call for humanitarian ceasefires

The G7 countries called for humanitarian ceasefires and the establishment of corridors to facilitate aid deliveries and the release of hostages. “All parties must provide unhindered humanitarian assistance to civilians, including food, water, medical supplies, fuel and shelter, as well as access for humanitarian workers,” the final statement said. It is “essential that humanitarian aid gets into Gaza so that the people there can be cared for so that it does not become a breeding ground for further terrorism,” said Baerbock.

Blinken said those now calling for an immediate ceasefire had a duty to explain how to deal with the fate of the hostages and Hamas’s stated intention to repeat Oct. 7 again and again. In their final paper, the G7 demand that all hostages kidnapped in the Gaza Strip in the terrorist attack by the Islamist Hamas on Israel at the beginning of October 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.”

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.

“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.

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.

Baerbock: We also support partners in the Indo-Pacific

In view of the Chinese government’s increasingly aggressive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region, Baerbock said that “tensions in the area are now more than just dark mind games. They can literally be felt.” China’s military threats against Taiwan are increasing, and North Korea is firing more test missiles into the sea than ever before. “There is a harsh wind blowing in the faces of our partners in the region, even if we may not feel it so clearly given the global crises,” said Baerbock. “But we have assured our partners here in the region that we will also support them in the face of harsh headwinds.”