G7 foreign ministers are due to issue a communique mentioning the Israel-Gaza crisis later today, marking only the second such joint statement from the group on the issue since Hamas’ Oct 7 attack on southern Israel.

The statement will present the G7’s “united stance” on the Middle East situation, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said today.

It is expected to include a call for humanitarian pauses and temporary breaks in fighting to allow aid into the besieged enclave, Japanese media reported on Wednesday.

The G7 group of wealthy, industrialised nations is made up of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, with the European Union also participating in the talks.