G7 Pushes for Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire, Ignores ICC Warrants

Foreign ministers from seven major countries met and strongly backed a quick ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah but didn’t mention the International Criminal Court’s warrant for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. They also urged Israel to let humanitarian aid into Gaza, warning of severe food shortages due to Israel’s actions. Italy brought up the ICC warrant, but views on enforcing it were mixed, with some countries like the U. S. calling the warrants “outrageous. ” The G7 meeting focused on bringing peace to both Gaza and Lebanon, with ministers hoping a Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire could help. U. S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a deal could also help end the Gaza conflict. The meeting also included foreign ministers from five Arab countries. EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, stressed that all of Israel’s security concerns had been addressed in a proposed deal. He warned that without a ceasefire, Lebanon could fall apart. The meeting also touched on Ukraine, condemning Russia’s involvement and calling for continued support. The G7 expressed concerns about the incoming U. S. administration's plans for dealing with Ukraine.