The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) must be allowed to work unhindered in Gaza, Group of Seven (G7) leaders said as the wealthy nations wrapped up the second day of their annual summit in Italy.
“We agree that it is essential that UNRWA and other United Nations organizations and delivery networks are fully able to provide assistance to those who need it most, effectively fulfilling their mandate,” they said. declared the G7 countries in their final communiqué.
They called on all parties to facilitate “the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance for civilians in need” in Gaza, particularly women and children.
“Ensuring full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access in all its forms – in accordance with international humanitarian law and through all relevant land crossing points, including the Rafah crossing, via maritime delivery routes, including via the port of Ashdod – throughout Gaza remains an essential task. an absolute priority.
UNRWA, which coordinates almost all aid to Gaza, has been a repeated target of Israel since the war on Gaza began on October 7.
In their statement, the G7 leaders reiterated their concern over the “unacceptable number of civilian casualties” in the war. They again approved a truce and an agreement to release the captives.
“We are deeply concerned about the consequences on the civilian population of the ongoing ground operations in Rafah and the possibility of a large-scale military offensive which would have even more disastrous consequences for civilians. We call on the Israeli government to refrain from such an offensive,” he said.
“We condemn the rise of extremist settler violence against Palestinians, which undermines security and stability in the West Bank and threatens prospects for lasting peace. »
The international charity Oxfam responded to the G7 statement by saying: “Israel and its G7 allies must put words into action, implement their proposals, withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza and end the occupation.” Hopes must come true, the time for discussions is over.
“Crucial moment in history”
On Friday, G7 countries turned their attention to migration, artificial intelligence, economic security and the Asia-Pacific region. Their leaders underlined their determination to tackle global challenges “at a crucial moment in history”.
The meeting at a luxury resort in southern Italy’s Puglia region also discussed other major topics, such as financial support for Ukraine, climate change, Iran, the situation in the Red Sea, gender equality, as well as China’s industrial policy and economic security.
“We are working together and with others to address the urgent challenges of our time,” the final statement said.
Migration was the first topic of discussion Friday, with leaders considering ways to combat trafficking and increase investment in countries from where refugees and migrants set off on often deadly journeys.
The topic is of particular interest to Italy, host country of the summit, which is on one of the main access routes to the European Union for people fleeing war and poverty in Africa, the Middle East and in Asia.
Right-wing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, known for her hard line on migration, has rushed to increase investment and funding for African countries to reduce migration pressure on Europe.
The leaders “launched the G7 Coalition to Prevent and Counter Smuggling of Migrants,” the summit’s final declaration said, noting that the seven countries “will focus on the root causes of irregular migration, on efforts to improve border management and combating transnational organized crime, and safe and regular migration routes.
Besides the G7 countries consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, the Italian hosts also invited several African leaders – Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Kenyan President William Ruto and Tunisian President Kais Saied – to put pressure on Meloni. migration and development initiatives.
But rights groups have denounced what they see as a lack of ambition in supporting developing countries.
The ONE campaign, which campaigns for investment in Africa, said it had found that the share of G7 and European Union aid going to Africa was at its lowest level since 1973.
“Without any concrete action, the G7 in Italy is just pointless platitudes,” said David McNair, executive director of the ONE Campaign. Although the summit’s final declaration “reflects promises of an increased partnership between the G7 and Africa, there are very few details on what, if any, new funding will be available.”