G7 officials back Lebanon in Israel-Hezbollah conflict, reiterate calls for Gaza ceasefire

A joint statement read by Italy’s defence minister on Saturday expressed support for the Lebanese Armed Forces in “their essential and indispensable role for the protection, security and stability of Lebanon” amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah militants. Reading the statement aloud during the annual G7 conference – held in Naples this year – Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said the sentiment was backed by all other G7 nations, too: the U.K., Canada, Germany, France, Japan and the U.S. In Rome, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin echoed Crosetto’s words. “We would like to see Israel scale back on some of the strikes it is taking, especially in and around Beirut, and we would like to see things transition to some sort of negotiation that would allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes,” he said. The two leaders also reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, as Israel continues its war on Hamas one year on. “We strongly support the need for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of all hostages and a significant increase in the flow of humanitarian aid to assist the civilian population,” Crosetto said. In a similar statement, British Prime Keir Starmer – speaking in Berlin – doubled down on his thoughts. “I say once again to Israel. The world will not tolerate any more excuses on humanitarian assistance, civilians in northern Gaza need food now,” the Labour Party leader said. For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/10805504/gaza-israel-school-strike-aid-groups/ Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc Like Global News on Facebook HERE: http://bit.ly/255GMJQ Follow Global News on X HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2QZaZIB #GlobalNews #G7 #Lebanon