ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT Achieving Middle East peace remains a key priority and is instrumental to regional stability and security. We support the resumption without delay of substantive peace talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians aimed at achieving a negotiated solution that ensures the peace and security of both and takes into account UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338 and 1515. In this framework, regional stakeholders can play a pivotal role in the pursuit of peace. We call on both sides to avoid unilateral steps which may lead to escalation, prejudge the outcome of negotiations on the final status issues and generate further mistrust. In the meantime, we strongly support dialogue and practical collaboration particularly in the field of security, access to water, sanitation, energy resources and in growing the Palestinian economy. In this context, we commend initiatives beneficial to all parties involved, such as the Red Sea-Dead Sea Project. We recall the importance of addressing the dire humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip, call for swift steps to improve the situation and emphasise the need for all sides to comply with international law. UKRAINE We stand united in our conviction that the crisis in Ukraine can only be solved by diplomatic means, in full respect for international law and principles and in full support of Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. We reiterate our condemnation of the illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula by the Russian Federation and reaffirm our policy of non-recognition and sanctions against those involved. We are concerned at credible reports of a deteriorating human rights situation in Crimea and call on the Russian Federation to ensure the proper and unimpeded access of international human rights monitoring missions and human rights non-governmental organizations to Crimea. We underline our commitment to the implementation of the Minsk Agreements to achieve a peaceful, sustainable and lasting solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. We urge all parties to fully implement them without delay. The security situation in the conflict area needs to be stabilized immediately. We urge all sides to take concrete steps that will lead to the complete ceasefire required under the Minsk Agreements. In particular, we expect Russia to live up to its commitments and to use its influence over the separatists to ensure they meet their obligations. Joint Communiqué | G7 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING 16