PARIS: The leaders of the Group of Seven advanced nations, including Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio, on Sunday condemned Iran for its “unprecedented attack” against Israel, urging Teheran not to conduct further attacks.

The G7 leaders said in a statement issued after a videoconference that they “unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s direct and unprecedented attack against Israel.”

“Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation,” the statement said.

Iran fired more than 300 drones and missiles, but Israel intercepted almost all of them with support from the U.S. military and other forces.

“We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment toward its security,” the leaders said. “We stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives.”

Meanwhile, the leaders stressed that they “will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation,” indirectly urging Israel to refrain from retaliation.

The leaders also said they will strengthen their cooperation to “end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work toward an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages” by the Islamic group Hamas.

The G7 nations pledged to provide enhanced humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened the videoconference. Italy holds this year’s G7 presidency.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Italian media that the country, as the G7 chair, will make utmost efforts to prevent any escalation of the situation.

The G7 groups Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States plus the European Union.

JIJI Press