Foreign ministers from the world’s leading industrialized nations – the G7 – convened in Fiuggi, Italy, for a crucial two-day meeting, grappling with a confluence of urgent global crises. The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, both entering what many perceive as decisive phases, dominated the agenda, alongside the delicate task of navigating diplomatic efforts before the impending change in US leadership. The new US administration, under President-elect Donald Trump, is anticipated to shift its foreign policy approach, adding a layer of complexity to already fraught situations.
Hopes for brokering a ceasefire in the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon were paramount. The G7 ministers, joined by representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and the Arab League Secretary-General, engaged in extensive discussions. The Italian foreign ministry highlighted the focus on supporting ceasefire efforts, providing aid to affected populations, and promoting a credible political path towards regional stability. A key focus was the ‘Quint’ grouping’s – comprising the US, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and the UAE – efforts to finalize a post-conflict plan for Gaza, spurred by urgency before the Trump administration takes office. President-elect Trump’s anticipated pro-Israel stance raises concerns about potential impacts on Palestinian aspirations.
Adding another layer of complexity was the recent International Criminal Court (ICC) issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and Hamas’ military chief. Italy, a founding member of the ICC and host of the 1998 Rome conference that established it, finds itself in a challenging position. While the right-wing Italian government strongly supports Israel following the October 7th Hamas attacks and provides humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, it faces the delicate task of navigating its commitment to international law. The Italian government carefully reaffirmed its support for the ICC while expressing concern over the warrants’ potential political motivations. Premier Giorgia Meloni, echoing US President Joe Biden, emphasized the irrefutable distinction between Israel’s responsibilities and Hamas’ terrorist actions.
Nathalie Tocci, director of the Rome-based Institute for International Affairs, highlighted Italy’s ambition to foster a united G7 front regarding the ICC warrants, particularly among the six G7 members who are ICC signatories (excluding the US). However, she cautioned against this strategy, noting the US’s significant influence on the G7’s stance and its strong criticism of the warrants against Netanyahu. Tocci warned that a failure to uphold international law would not only weaken it but also harm Italy’s interests, particularly given Italy’s past reliance on international law to protect UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.
The escalating war in Ukraine also heavily influenced the meeting’s discussions. Russia’s recent attack using an experimental hypersonic ballistic missile escalated tensions considerably. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha’s anticipated attendance on Tuesday, coupled with emergency NATO-Ukraine talks in Brussels, underscored the urgency of the situation. Russian President Vladimir Putin justified the strike as retaliation for Ukraine’s use of longer-range missiles supplied by the US and UK. The G7’s continued provision of military and economic aid to Ukraine, and concerns surrounding a potential change in the US approach under the Trump administration, further heightened anxieties. Trump’s past criticism of US aid to Ukraine and his suggestion of a swift war resolution raise concerns about a potential shift in US support, possibly including pressure on Ukraine to concede occupied territories.
Italy, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, mirrors the US stance regarding the provision of longer-range missiles, although its constitutional stance on war prevents direct involvement in offensive actions within Russia. Its aid currently focuses on anti-air defense systems. The G7 meeting, the second under Italy’s presidency, took place in the historical town of Fiuggi. The day also coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, with the ministers attending the unveiling of a symbolic red bench in support of combating gender-based violence, following large-scale protests in Rome that highlighted the tragic loss of 99 women this year to such violence, according to the Eures think tank.
