G7 leaders say Iran attack on Israel risks ‘uncontrollable regional escalation’
The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) warned Sunday that the Iranian attack on Israel risks an "uncontrollable regional escalation."
"With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided. We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives," the G7 leaders said in a statement.
Iran launched an aerial assault against Israel on Saturday, firing hundreds of drones and missiles toward the country. Israel, with the help of the United States, intercepted most of the attacks headed toward the country overnight, and no major damage has been reported.
The G7 leaders condemned the "direct and unprecedented attack" launched by Iran in their statement and emphasized their "full solidarity and support to Israel."
The leaders also noted that they will continue to work to end the ongoing crisis in Gaza, where Israel has been targeting Hamas militants in response to the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
"We will also strengthen our cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need," they said.
President Biden also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call on Saturday about the "brazen attack" against Israel.
“I’ve just spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel,” Biden said in a statement on Saturday. “I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel.”