At the G7 summit in Canada, leaders called for de-escalation in the Middle East and stressed the need for peace, especially in the Gaza Strip.
The summit participants described the ongoing military operations between Israel and Iran as “the most serious escalation of conflict ever recorded in the region.”
In a joint statement, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region, emphasizing that “Israel has the right to self-defense.”
The statement also stated that Iran should never have nuclear weapons. At the same time, Israel’s right to self-defense was affirmed as a legitimate means of defense.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that US President Donald Trump had left the summit a day early due to the situation in the Middle East, putting forward a peace initiative.
“There was an offer, in particular, to reconcile and to start a broader discussion. I think it’s a very positive step,” Macron told reporters. “Now we have to see how the parties concerned react.”
US President Donald Trump, commenting on his early departure, told reporters: “I have to come back soon, for obvious reasons.”
Other leaders at the G7 summit were sympathetic to Trump’s decision. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Trump’s early departure was “understandable,” even though they were scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss customs policy.
