TORONTO: The leaders of G7 nations have called for a “de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza”, according to the BBC.
In a joint statement, they also reiterated their “commitment to peace and stability” in the region, adding that within this context “Israel has a right to defend itself”.
US President Donald Trump left the summit in Canada early telling reporters, “I have to be back early for obvious reasons.”
His exit came as Israel and Iran attacked each other for a fifth consecutive day.
White House “discussing” possibility of meeting between US envoy and Iran FM
Reports circulated that Trump had instructed the White House National Security Council to meet upon his return.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the “deployment of additional capabilities” to the Middle East to enhance the Pentagon’s “defensive posture”. But American officials rejected suggestions the US was about to join the Israeli offensive on Iran.
The White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump was leaving the G7 gathering of world leaders at Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies after dinner on Monday night because of “what’s going on in the Middle East”. She did not elaborate.
It means the US president will miss in-person meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum that were scheduled for Tuesday, the final day of the summit.
At a photo session on Monday, Trump said it was important he return to Washington for “big stuff”.
G7 leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the US, along with the European Union, had convened in the resort area of Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies until Tuesday.