G7 leaders to urge all sides to accept Biden’s ceasefire deal
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G7 leaders are convening in Italy for their yearly summit and are anticipated to discuss the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
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Italy's Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, right, and Fabio Panetta Governor of the Bank of Italy, wait for the arrival of their counterparts at the G7 Finance Ministers meeting in Stresa, northern Italy, on May 24, 2024. (AP)
Group of Seven (G7) leaders will call on both "Israel" and the Palestinian Resistance to accept the cease-fire deal proposed by US President Joe Biden, according to a draft statement seen by Bloomberg.
In the communiqué from their annual meeting this week, the allies will urge "Israel" to de-escalate its "full-scale military offensive" in Rafah and may include language advocating for actions aligned with provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice.
The G7's wording, specifically mentioning Biden, seems intended to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into formally accepting the cease-fire proposal he has been hesitant about. The communiqué states that "Israel is ready to move forward," aiming to push Netanyahu toward action.
Civilians have been sheltering in Rafah, where the United Nations describes conditions as catastrophic. The US and other Israeli allies have expressed concern over the scale of ground operations in the area. “We urge countries with influence over Hamas” to help ensure it accepts a cease-fire, the leaders of the G7 will say.
Another item in the draft, still pending unanimous agreement, concerns the recognition of a Palestinian state as part of a two-state peace process. “We note that the recognition of a Palestinian state, at the appropriate time, would be a crucial component,” reads the provisional language.
G7 allies will condemn moves by "Israel" to order the evacuation of the East al-Quds offices of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
Some governments, including Italy, which holds the G7 presidency this year, have resumed funding the agency after "Israel" alleged that some of its staffers collaborated with Hamas. The UN is continuing its investigations into UNRWA.
UNSC adopts resolution regarding Gaza ceasefire
On Monday, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution welcoming the Gaza ceasefire proposal presented by US President Joe Biden. The resolution, drafted by the United States, received overwhelming support, with 14 members voting in favor and Russia abstaining.
The ceasefire proposal, announced by Biden on May 31, outlines a new three-phase plan aimed at achieving "a lasting cessation of hostilities" in the Gaza Strip and the release of all captives held by Hamas.
Hamas welcomed the ceasefire proposal. "We welcome the contents of the Security Council resolution regarding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, complete withdrawal, the return of displaced persons, and reconstruction." The Resistance group emphasized its firm stance against any demographic changes or reduction in the area of the Gaza Strip and highlighted the need for essential aid to support the people in the territory.
