Jonathan Erst/Pool Photo via AP
After completing a comprehensive diplomatic tour of the Middle East, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken redirected his diplomatic efforts concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict towards Asia on Tuesday. He appealed to the Group of Seven (G7) major industrial democracies to reach a consensus on addressing the crisis.
During discussions with his G7 counterparts in Japan, Blinken emphasized the critical importance of demonstrating unity within the group, akin to their previous stances on issues like Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. This unity is seen as essential to prevent the existing differences regarding the situation in Gaza from exacerbating.
The primary focus of the two-day meeting in Japan will be the monthlong devastating conflict in Gaza and the humanitarian consequences of Israel’s response to the October 7 Hamas attack. However, amidst concerns about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, potential North Korean nuclear tests, and China’s growing global assertiveness, the G7 ministers will also address these pressing matters.
Foreign ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Italy, in addition to Blinken, aim to find common ground to prevent the Gaza conflict from further destabilizing the already precarious security situation in the wider Middle East. They also seek to maintain existing consensus positions on various global issues.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa expressed her country’s unequivocal condemnation of the Hamas attack on Israel and reiterated support for U.S. efforts to find a resolution. She stressed the critical importance of solidarity between Japan and the U.S. in the current context.
Efforts by the U.S. include significantly increasing the humanitarian aid sent to Gaza, urging Israel to implement “pauses” in its military operations to facilitate aid delivery and civilian evacuation, planning for a post-conflict governance and security structure in Gaza, and preventing the escalation of the conflict. Blinken characterized these efforts as a “work in progress” and acknowledged significant disagreements regarding the concept of “pauses.” Israel remains unconvinced, and Arab and Muslim nations demand an immediate full cease-fire, contrary to the U.S. stance. Additionally, discussions on Gaza’s future have faced resistance, with Arab states prioritizing the immediate humanitarian crisis.
Securing agreement from G7 members, none of which share a direct border or direct involvement in the Gaza conflict, may be a comparatively less challenging task for Blinken. However, differences over Gaza have emerged, given its high-profile nature, which has evoked strong emotions and led to pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel demonstrations in G7 capitals and elsewhere.
The G7, known for maintaining a unified front since before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in defense of the international order established after World War II, has exhibited some fraying around the edges. The group has remained united in condemning Russia’s war and demanding that North Korea cease its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. They have also called for responsible behavior from China and cooperative actions to combat pandemics, synthetic opioids, and misuse of artificial intelligence.
Blinken’s visit to Japan followed his four-day whirlwind tour through the Middle East, which encompassed visits to Israel, Jordan, the West Bank, Cyprus, and Iraq. His upcoming itinerary includes travels to South Korea and India.
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