Foreign ministers from the world’s seven most developed countries (G7) are meeting on Monday amid ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. The G7 is under increasing pressure to advance diplomatic efforts to end these conflicts before the new U.S. administration begins its work.
The primary focus of the G7 meeting, being held on the outskirts of Rome, is on mediation for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. Ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the U.S. are participating.
On the first day of the two-day talks on Monday, ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar, as well as the Secretary-General of the Arab League, will join the discussions.
“Together with our partners, we will discuss ways to support efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, initiatives to support the population, and promote a credible political framework for regional stability,” said the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The so-called “Quintet,” which includes the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and the UAE, has been working to finalize a post-war plan for Gaza. This group faces increasing pressure to make progress before President-elect Donald Trump assumes the White House in January. Trump is expected to follow a policy that heavily favors Israel over Palestinian aspirations.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani added another point to the G7 agenda last week after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and the Hamas military chief.
Italy is a founding member of the ICC, which was established at a conference in Rome in 1998. However, Italy’s right-wing government has been a strong supporter of Israel following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. Rome has also provided humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
The Italian government has maintained a restrained position, reaffirming its support for the court while expressing concern that the arrest warrants were politically motivated.
“We cannot equate the responsibilities of the state of Israel with those of the terrorist organization Hamas,” said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, echoing the statements of U.S. President Joe Biden.
Nathalie Tocci, director of the Institute for International Affairs based in Rome, said that Italy will try to create a united front on the ICC arrest warrants, at least among the six G7 countries that are members of the court—everyone except the U.S.
However, Tocci warned in an essay published this weekend in La Stampa that this is a risky move, as Washington largely dictates G7 policies. The U.S. has labeled the arrest warrant for Netanyahu as “unacceptable.”
“If Italy and the five other G7 members, which are also ICC members, fail to respect international law, they not only undermine it but act against our own interests,” Tocci wrote.
Another important issue on the G7 agenda is Ukraine, where tensions have risen since Russia attacked Ukraine last week with a hypersonic ballistic missile, escalating the nearly 33-month-old war.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is expected to join the meeting on Tuesday in Fiuggi. On the same day, NATO and Ukraine will hold urgent talks in Brussels.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the attack was retaliation for Kyiv’s use of longer-range missiles from the U.S. and the UK capable of striking deep within Russian territory.
The G7 countries have been leading military and economic aid efforts to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s aggression in February 2022. G7 members are particularly concerned about how the new administration under President Trump will alter U.S. policy.
President-elect Trump has criticized the billions of dollars the Biden administration has approved for Ukraine and stated that he could end the war within 24 hours. These comments suggest that Trump may exert pressure on Ukraine to surrender territory currently under Russian control.
Italy is a strong supporter of Ukraine and has backed the U.S. decision to allow Ukraine to strike Russia with longer-range missiles. However, Italy has cited its constitution, which does not allow Rome to provide Ukraine with weapons to strike inside Russia. Italy has sent Kyiv anti-aircraft defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians.
The G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, the second during Italy’s presidency after one held in Capri in April, is taking place in the medieval town of Fiuggi, southeast of Rome, known for its thermal baths.
On Monday, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, ministers will attend the unveiling of a red statue symbolizing Italy’s focus on combating gender-based violence.
Over the weekend, tens of thousands marched in Rome to protest gender-based violence. In Italy, 99 women have been killed this year, according to a report released last week by the NGO “Eures.”
