G7 Foreign Ministers express support for the continuation of the truce between Israel and Hamas

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven countries expressed their support for the continuation of the truce between Israel and Hamas, which allowed for an increase in humanitarian aid and the release of some hostages. The US State Department issued a statement, UNN reports .

We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, welcome the release of some of the hostages taken on October 7 by Hamas and other terrorist organizations, as well as the recent pause in hostilities, which has allowed for an increase in humanitarian aid to reach Palestinian civilians in Gaza 

Details

Also in the statement, the G7 representatives called for the immediate release of all hostages, facilitating the departure of all foreign nationals and making every effort to provide humanitarian support to the civilian population, including food, water, fuel and medical supplies.

In addition, they emphasized Israel's right to defend itself and its people in accordance with international law to prevent a repeat of the October 7 attacks. 

Finally, the foreign ministers recalled the importance of protecting civilians and respecting international law, including international humanitarian law, and noted that the G7 countries continue to work with partners in the region to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

To recap, on November 24, Israel and Hamas began a four-day truce mediated by Qatar.  Subsequently, the parties agreed to extend the truce for two more days. 

Recently it was reportedthat Hamas and Israel conducted a prisoner exchange: Hamas released 13 Israelis, including nine children. The Israeli side is ready to extend the truce if Hamas releases at least 10 hostages a day. 

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