ISTANBUL

The US, UK, France, Germany, Italy and Canada released a joint statement late Sunday reaffirming their support for Israel's “right to self-defense against terrorism.”

“The leaders reiterated their support for Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians,” said the statement, which was posted on the British government’s website.

The statement came following discussions between US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

All of the leaders expressed satisfaction with the recent release of two American hostages by the Palestinian group Hamas and called for the immediate release of all other hostages still being held.

“They committed to close coordination to support their nationals in the region, in particular those wishing to leave Gaza,” said the statement.

The leaders also expressed their approval of the declaration about the initial humanitarian aid convoys reaching Palestinians in Gaza who are in distress. ​​​​​​​

They also pledged to maintain cooperation with regional allies to ensure ongoing and secure access to essential humanitarian necessities such as food, water, medical services and other required assistance.

“The leaders committed to continue close diplomatic coordination, including with key partners in the region, to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution and durable peace,” the statement concluded.

The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since Oct. 7, began when the Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron in the Gaza Strip.

At least 4,651 Palestinians, including 1,873 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.

On Friday, Hamas announced the release of two American detainees “for humanitarian reasons.”

On Saturday, a humanitarian aid convoy began entering the Gaza Strip from Egypt. It was the first aid delivery to Gaza since armed conflict broke out between Israel and Hamas.