Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has said his counterparts in the G7 called on all parties involved in the current conflict in the Middle East to avoid actions that could lead to an escalation, Al Jazeera reports.

A statement said that during a videoconference chaired by Tajani, the G7 ministers expressed “strong concern about the recent events that could lead to a wider regional spread of the crisis, starting with Lebanon”.

“We call on the parties concerned to desist from any initiative that could hinder the path of dialogue and moderation and encourage a new escalation.”

The statement from the G7 meeting also called for the conclusion of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of captives there, as well as reaffirming the G7 countries’ commitment to intensifying humanitarian aid to the people of the Palestinian enclave.