The foreign affairs chiefs of the Group of Seven nations have discussed the conflict between Israel and Islamic group Hamas on their first day of talks in Tokyo.

The two-day meeting began on Tuesday with a working dinner. This is the first G7 foreign ministers' meeting since the fighting began one month ago.

Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, who chairs the meeting, said, "As the international situation gets more severe and complicated, close communication around the G7 has never been more important."

Kamikawa briefed her counterparts on Japan's diplomatic efforts, including her visits to Israel and Palestinian territory.

She said the immediate release of the hostages taken by Hamas and improving the dire situation in the Gaza Strip are the top priority. She urged the other participants to persuade parties involved to agree to humanitarian pauses in the fighting.

Kamikawa mentioned Japan's plan to provide additional humanitarian assistance worth 65 million dollars. She also stressed the need to consider the future of Gaza and revitalizing the Middle East Peace Process, calling for speedier discussions under the G7 framework.

After the talks, Kamikawa told reporters that the participants had frank and in-depth discussions. She expressed hope that a joint statement now under arrangement will present a unified G7 stance on the situation in the Middle East.

On the second day, the ministers will discuss the situation in Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific.