The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven major industrialized countries, at the conclusion of a videoconference meeting, called on all concerned parties to refrain from taking any steps that could further escalate the conflict in the Middle East. A statement issued by the Italian Foreign Ministry, which holds the rotating presidency of the group, said: "We call on the concerned parties to refrain from any initiative or steps that could hinder the path of dialogue and moderation and lead to a new escalation." The statement added that the foreign ministers "stressed the priority of reaching a positive outcome to the negotiations on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip" while intensifying humanitarian aid. After discussing the latest developments in the Middle East, the ministers expressed their deep concern "about the recent events that threaten to turn the current situation into a regional crisis," according to the statement. Source: National Iraqi News Agency