The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven major industrialized nations called on all parties to calm down and refrain from taking any steps that might further escalate the conflict in the Middle East.

"We call on the parties concerned to refrain from any initiative or steps that could hinder the path of dialogue and moderation and lead to a new escalation," said a statement issued by the Italian Foreign Ministry, which holds the rotating presidency of the group, at the conclusion of a meeting held via video conference.

The statement added that the foreign ministers stressed the priority of reaching a positive outcome regarding the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, while intensifying humanitarian aid.