G7 countries announced work on sanctions against Hamas

The Group of Seven (G7) countries are working on sanctions designed to prevent Hamas from raising and using funds “to commit atrocities.” Excerpts from the joint statement adopted following the G7 ministerial meeting in Tokyo, leads Italian agency Ansa.

Representatives of the G7 stated their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the established status of territories through force or coercion.

“Such attempts undermine the rule of law, which protects all countries, especially vulnerable ones, as well as global security and human dignity,” the statement said.

The meeting participants unequivocally condemned “the attacks by Hamas and other groups on Israeli territory that began on October 7, as well as the ongoing rocket attacks on Israel.” The G7 emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself and its people in accordance with international law. They called for the immediate release of all hostages without preconditions.

“We emphasize that the only path to a just, lasting and secure peace remains a two-state solution, Israel and a Palestinian state, living side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition,” the statement concluded.

On November 7, in an interview with the American television channel ABC News, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel could take “responsibility for security” in the Gaza Strip “for an indefinite period” to prevent Hamas from maintaining or returning to power. In his opinion, Israel “will have a role” in managing the enclave after the fighting ends.

The Israeli army’s bombing of the enclave began on October 7 after the Palestinian group Hamas attacked the southern regions of the country. About 1,400 people were killed in the attack, and more than 200 were taken hostage by the militants. According to the latest data, the death toll as a result of Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has reached 10,000 people.