ROME (Agencies) - Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies "fully endorse and will stand behind the comprehensive" ceasefire and hostage release deal for the Gaza war outlined by US President Joe Biden and call on Hamas to accept it, a statement said on Monday (Jun 3).
The deal "would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian assistance for distribution throughout Gaza, and an enduring end to the crisis, with Israel's security interests and Gazan civilian safety assured", the statement said.
The G7, of which Italy holds the rotating presidency for 2024, reaffirmed support "for a credible pathway towards peace leading to a two-state solution".
FOUR MORE HOSTAGES DEAD
Four more of the hostages abducted by Hamas on Oct 7 have died in captivity, according to the Israeli military.
The military identified the four men on Monday as Haim Perry, Yoram Metzger, Amiram Cooper, and Nadav Popplewell, all of whom were filmed alive in hostage videos posted by Hamas.
Of the more than 250 people abducted on Oct 7, about 120 remain in Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Many have been declared dead by Israeli authorities.
Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the military would be able to ensure Israel's security in any Gaza truce and hostage release deal decided on by the government.
NETANYAHU TO ADDRESS CONGRESS
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation from Republican and Democratic party leaders to address lawmakers in the US Congress on Jun 13, US media have reported.
The visit, reported by congressional media outlets Politico and Punchbowl News, comes amid mounting pressure for the US ally and Hamas to agree to a permanent ceasefire.
Last week, US President Biden laid out what he described as a three-phase Israeli ceasefire proposal, winning a positive initial reaction from Hamas.
An aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday that Israel had accepted the framework deal for winding down the Gaza war, though he described it as flawed and in need of much more work.
"We call on Hamas to accept this deal, that Israel is ready to move forward with, and we urge countries with influence over Hamas to help ensure that it does so," the G7 statement said.