As tensions in the Middle East rise, world leaders have urged all parties to follow international humanitarian law.
U.S. President Joe Biden talked with his colleagues in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom on Sunday about the ongoing conflict between the Israeli military and the terrorist group Hamas.
Following the meetings, the leaders released a joint statement expressing their support for Israel after Hamas conducted a large-scale terrorist attack on Israeli facilities and citizens on Oct. 7.
They urged all parties to follow international humanitarian law, especially the protection of civilians, amid fears that the prolonged violence might erupt into a larger conflict throughout the Middle East.
The leaders agreed to collaborate, including with important regional allies, "to prevent the conflict from spreading, maintain Middle Eastern stability, and work toward a political solution and long-term peace."
They hailed the arrival of the first humanitarian convoys in Gaza and promised to maintain cooperation with regional partners to guarantee Palestinians had "sustained and safe access" to food, water, medical care, and other humanitarian goods.
The leaders applauded Hamas' release of two American prisoners and demanded the quick release of all other detainees.
They also promised to work closely together to help their nationals in the area, particularly those seeking to flee Gaza.
President Biden talked by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the leaders' speech to discuss the situation in Gaza and the surrounding region.
According to a White House briefing, both presidents agreed that "there will now be a continued flow of this critical assistance into Gaza."
The two leaders also talked about efforts to obtain the release of all remaining Hamas hostages and to allow safe passage for US citizens and other civilians in Gaza who want to leave.
It comes after Israel Defense Forces reserve Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus warned on Oct. 21 that the rising assaults on Israel by the Iran-backed Hezbollah organization threaten drawing Lebanon into a conflict.
According to Lt. Col. Conricus, Hezbollah's presence in the demilitarized zone south of the Litani River violates UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
“It should be stated and noted in the record that Israel has not been aggressing along the blue line, that we have been defending ourselves only, and that Hezbollah is the one that is aggressing. And of course, the state of Lebanon is responsible for everything that happens in its territory,” he said.
“Is the Lebanese state really willing to jeopardize what is left of Lebanese prosperity and Lebanese sovereignty for the sake of terrorists in Gaza, for the ISIS of Gaza? That is a question the Lebanese authorities need to ask themselves and answer.
“Because the way it’s looking now, Hezbollah is aggressing and dragging Lebanon into a war that it will gain nothing from but stands to lose a lot,” Lt. Col. Conricus added.
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According to Lt. Col. Conricus, Israel took precautionary steps in the aftermath of the strikes, including evacuating Israeli people along the northern border. The IDF has also pushed Gaza residents to go south.
“You see, there is a common denominator here: Israel caring first and foremost of our civilians and also caring about other civilians who we don’t want to be harmed in any way,” he added.
