### G7 Foreign Ministers Convene in Italy Amid Global Crises

In the scenic town of Fiuggi, Italy, foreign ministers from the world’s major industrialized nations are gathering for a crucial two-day meeting. This session marks the last G7 meeting of the Biden administration and holds significant weight as wars in Ukraine and the Middle East reach critical points.

Central to the agenda is the pressing need to broker cease-fires in Gaza and Lebanon. Attendees of the Group of Seven include ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Enhancing the discussions are dignitaries from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, along with the Secretary General of the Arab League.

According to the Italian foreign ministry, the meeting aims to support cease-fire initiatives in Gaza and Lebanon, assist affected populations, and promote political stability in the region. It is part of a broader strategy by the "Quintet"—comprising the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and the UAE—to prepare for post-conflict scenarios in Gaza before the Trump administration takes office, given Trump's expected pro-Israel stance.

Amid these urgent negotiations, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Mike Herzog, indicated that a cease-fire with Hezbollah might be imminent. The meeting also grapples with the International Criminal Court's recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other key figures, a move causing international debate.

Italy, a founding member of the ICC, has shown support for Israel post the October 7 Hamas attacks while also providing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has underscored that there is no equivalence between Israel’s actions and those of Hamas, aligning with statements from U.S. President Joe Biden.

The G7 discussions also focus on the ongoing war in Ukraine, especially after a recent hypersonic missile attack by Russia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is expected to participate, and NATO will concurrently hold emergency talks in Brussels. The G7 countries have been pivotal in supporting Ukraine militarily and economically since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, with apprehensions about potential policy shifts under a Trump presidency.

Italy aligns with the U.S. in permitting Ukraine to use longer-range missiles but refrains from supplying offensive weaponry due to its constitutional commitment against war.

Aside from geopolitical deliberations, the timing of the G7 meeting coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Ministers are expected to inaugurate a red bench in Fiuggi, symbolizing Italy’s dedication to combating gender-based violence, an issue that has claimed the lives of 99 women in Italy this year alone.