G7 leaders vow 'unwavering support' for Ukraine, 'significant increase' for aid for Gaza

Defence ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies on Saturday (October 19), announced their ‘unwavering support’ for Ukraine. This pledge of aid extends to the war-hit nation’s military as well.

“We underscore our intent to continue to provide assistance to Ukraine, including military assistance in the short and long term,” read the group’s final statement following the one-day summit.

They also voiced their support for Ukraine’s “irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including Nato [North Atlantic Treaty Organisation] membership.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, under mounting pressure from Western allies to forge a winning strategy against Russia, on Thursday presented what he called a “victory plan” to the European Union and Nato.

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Its main thrust is a call for immediate Nato membership.

Focus on Gaza, Israel, and Iran

Additionally, the defence ministers from Italy, United States, Canada, Britain, France, Germany and Japan vowed an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The G7 defence ministers, in their statement, said that they “are united in supporting the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza and a sustainable pathway to a two-state solution.”

The hope of a ceasefire and end to the war that has dragged on for over a year now received a boost with the killing of Hamas’ leader Yahya Sinwar. Sinwar was not only the alleged mastermind behind the October 7 attack that sparked the conflict, but also a major blockade in getting a hostage deal passed.

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Simultaneously, they warned Iran to stop backing Hamas and Hezbollah– Tehran-backed groups that are fighting against Israel in the volatile West Asia region.

The leaders condemned Tehran’s ballistic missiles large-scale attacks against Israel and reiterated their commitment to the security of Israel.

The High Representative of the European Union, Josep Borrell Fontelles, was present during the G7 defence ministers’ summit. Additionally, the Nato Secretary General, Mark Rutte, was also a participant.

With inputs from agencies