G7 leaders call for de-escalation in Middle East and ceasefire in Gaza

Leaders of the G7 countries, including US President Donald Trump, have issued a joint statement calling for “de-escalation” in the Middle East and a ceasefire in Gaza, while stressing that Israel had the right to defend itself. “We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself,” the leaders said during their summit in Canada, adding that Iran was the “principal source of regional instability and terror”.