Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks in Tokyo on Tuesday evening. They were expected to agree on working toward a temporary halt in fighting between Israel and Hamas.

Blinken is visiting Japan for the Group of Seven foreign ministers' meeting.

Kamikawa told Blinken that Japan denounces the terror attacks by Hamas and hopes for the immediate release of the hostages held by the Islamic group.

She added that Japan appreciates diplomatic efforts by the United States on the matter and offers maximal support.

Blinken said the US is grateful for Japan's leadership in the G7 at a critically important time. He emphasized that it is important for the G7 to come together and speak with one clear voice.

Kamikawa and Blinken were seen as likely to agree to continue diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing clashes between Israel and Hamas from triggering unrest in other parts of the Middle East.

The two diplomats were also expected to confirm support for a two-state solution in which an independent state of Palestine is established and coexists with Israel.