Iran attack: G7 leaders reaffirm full support to Israel

G7 leaders condemned Iran’s attack on Israel and reaffirmed full support to Tel Aviv security during a meeting on Sunday, a statement says.

They also say they will work to stabilise the situation in the Middle East.

“We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security.

“With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided.

“We will continue to work to stabilise the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives,” they said, in the statement published by the Italian G7 presidency.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he hoped Israel would show restraint in its response.

Iran launched the attack, its first ever to directly target Israeli territory, in retaliation for a deadly air strike widely blamed on Israel that destroyed its consular building in Syria’s capital early this month.

The attack came as the Israel-Hamas war raged in besieged Gaza.

The G7 — which groups the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy and Canada — also said Sunday they would step up efforts to end that crisis.

“We will also strengthen our cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need,” they said.

The Israel-Hamas war began with an unprecedented October 7 attack by the militant group against Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians.

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