G7 to discuss Gaza ceasefire, aggression on Lebanon, Iran nuclear deal
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The Group of 7 is set to discuss numerous issues relating to West Asia amid rising tensions in the region, mostly exacerbated by the Israeli occupation's genocide in Gaza.
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G7 leaders in a working session during a G7 summit at Borgo Egnazia, Italy, June 13, 2024. (AP)
G7 members convening in Fasano, Italy, from June 13-15 for the 50th G7 summit will focus on a range of pressing issues related to West Asia, including Gaza ceasefire talks, escalating tensions between the Israeli occupation and Lebanon, and the Iranian nuclear program, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Thursday.
The summit "will be an opportunity for the leaders to get an update from President Biden on the negotiations with respect to the ceasefire and hostage deal, to talk about G7 support for bringing that deal to closure so that we can get a ceasefire in place and the hostages home," Sullivan stated ahead of the summit.
Additionally, the G7 countries are set address the increasing tensions between Lebanon and occupied Palestine, amid escalating Israeli aggression and escalating retaliation by the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon - Hezbollah.
Sullivan also underlined that the leaders would be discussing Iran's regional influence, namely its nuclear program and its "support to proxy forces", utilizing the Western narrative to frame the relationship between Iran and the Resistance forces within the region that Iran is closely allied to. He said, "We continue to have grave concerns" about both issues.
Sullivan insisted that Israelis back a ceasefire in Gaza, saying, "That is something the Israelis have committed to, remain committed to, and I haven't heard any Israeli leader right now contradict that they stand behind the proposal."
Building pressure on Netanyahu
This, alongside a draft statement seen by Bloomberg, seems intended to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into formally accepting the cease-fire proposal he has been hesitant about.
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, Bloomberg said after seeing the statement.
The communiqué states that "Israel is ready to move forward," aiming to push Netanyahu toward action.
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.
Beyond Middle Eastern issues, the summit will also tackle sanctions imposed on Russia and address matters related to China.
