G7 Foreign Ministers Call for Avoiding Escalation in Middle East

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven, at the conclusion of a video conference meeting, called on all parties concerned to refrain from taking any steps that could further escalate the conflict in the Middle East. "We call on the parties concerned to refrain from any initiative or steps that could hinder the path of dialogue and moderation and lead to a new escalation," said a statement from the Italian Foreign Ministry, which holds the rotating presidency of the group. The statement added that the foreign ministers "stressed the priority of reaching a positive outcome to the negotiations on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip" as well as intensifying humanitarian aid. After discussing recent developments in the Middle East, the ministers expressed their deep concern "over recent events that threaten to turn the current situation into a regional crisis," according to the statement. Source: Qatar News Agency