EU’s Borrell Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon

Group of Seven (G7) defense ministers’ meeting in Naples, Italy, EU’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. He emphasized the importance of releasing Israeli hostages still held by Hamas and viewed the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinawar by Israel as an opportunity to halt hostilities.

Borrell also called for respect for UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, who have recently faced attacks from Israel. He noted that discussions during the meeting primarily focused on the Middle East, with the potential review of the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon, a decision that would fall to the UN Security Council.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto highlighted the deteriorating global security situation, citing Russian aggression in Ukraine and escalating tensions in various regions, including the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific. He warned that forecasts for global security were “not positive” due to conflicting worldviews—those that support a rules-based international order and those that disregard democracy for their objectives.

The G7 meeting is particularly significant, marking the group’s first ministerial discussion dedicated to defense. With Italy holding the G7 presidency for 2024, discussions will also address the broader implications of international security challenges. The meeting includes representatives from the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Japan, the EU, and NATO.