Foreign ministers from the G7 nations convened in Italy on Monday to deliberate on pressing issues, including diplomatic efforts in both the Mideast and Ukraine wars.
The meeting, held just outside Rome, comes as diplomatic efforts face renewed urgency ahead of a President-Elect Donald Trump's next administration.
Ceasefire Talks Gain Momentum
Ahead of the meeting, a potential breakthrough in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah dominated discussions with Israeli officials signaling that a deal could be finalized.
Israel's ambassador to the U.S., Mike Herzog, told Israeli Army Radio on Monday a ceasefire deal to end fighting between Israel and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah could be reached "within days."
The talks were bolstered by the presence of ministers from key Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan, as well as representatives from the Arab League.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi issued a stark plea for peace, emphasizing the human toll of ongoing violence.
"We need a ceasefire, a permanent ceasefire. That will stop the killings and stop the destruction and restore a sense of normalcy to life," Safadi told the "Mediterranean Dialogues" conference organized by the Italian foreign ministry and the ISPI think tank.
Meanwhile, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced plans to host a ministerial conference aimed at mobilizing international aid for Gaza, reflecting the urgency of addressing humanitarian needs in the region.
Balancing Diplomacy and Legal Challenges
The G7 meeting also faced a complex legal dimension after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior figures.
While Italy, a founding member of the ICC, reaffirmed its support for the court, its government expressed reservations over the timing and motivations of the warrants. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for unity among G7 nations on international law, underscoring Italy's dual role as a supporter of Israel and advocate for Palestinian aid.
"Dialogue with partners is essential," Tajani said as he opened the G7 meeting and announced all the non-G7 ministers participating.
Ukraine Remains a Priority
The war in Ukraine also remains a central focus for the G7, particularly as Russian aggression intensifies.
Recent strikes, including an attack with an experimental hypersonic missile, have heightened global concerns. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the strike was retaliation for Kyiv's use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy reiterated the group's commitment to supporting Ukraine both militarily and economically, unveiling sanctions targeting Russia's covert oil export network.
"It's hugely important that this G7, that all colleagues across the G7 continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it lasts," Lammy said as he arrived.
"And we are confident that Ukraine can have the funds and the military equipment and kit to get through 2025," Lammy added.
However, uncertainty looms over the G7's unified stance with the imminent U.S. administration shift. While the G7 has been at the forefront of providing military and economic support for Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022, Trump's critique of Ukraine aid and promise to end the war within 24 hours suggest a potential pivot in U.S. policy and has raised alarms among allies.
Broader Global Challenges
The meeting coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, highlighting another urgent issue. G7 ministers participated in events emphasizing the fight against gender-based violence, a crisis that has claimed nearly 100 lives in Italy this year alone, according to a report last week by the Eures think tank.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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