G-7 leaders condemn attack

G-7 leaders on Sunday condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s direct and unprecedented attack against Israel and said the development risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation.

The UN Security Council decided to convene an emergency meeting to discuss the issue.

“With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilisation of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided. We will continue to work to stabilise the situation and avoid further escalation,” G-7 leaders said in a joint statement after a conference call among them initiated by President Joe Biden.

“In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives,” the statement said a day after Saturday's attack by Iran on Israel.

“We, the Leaders of the G7, unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s direct and unprecedented attack against Israel. Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel. Israel, with the help of its partners, defeated the attack,” the leaders said after their virtual call.

The G-7 group — made up of the US, Italy, Japan, Germany, France, Britain and Canada — also expresses full solidarity and support for Israel and its people and reaffirms its commitment towards its security.

“We will also strengthen our cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need,” the G-7 leaders said.

Biden also spoke by phone with Jordanian King Abdullah II to discuss Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel.