Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan requested Israel to “act in line with international humanitarian law and cooperate in ensuring humanitarian access so that necessary assistance will be delivered to civilians.”

TSUJI Kiyoto, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, made the request on Oct. 16 to Gilad Cohen, the Israeli Ambassador in Tokyo, as they discussed the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine, according to the Foreign Ministry.

State Minister Tsuji expressed in the meeting Japan’s “unequivocal condemnation” of the recent “terror” attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants and further repeated that Japan offers its condolences to the bereaved families in Israel.

Japanese foreign minister KAMIKAWA Yoko had condemned Hamas attacks against Israel, repeatedly branding them as “terror acts.” The minister also repeatedly offered Japan’s condolences to Israel.

State Minister Tsuji told the Israeli ambassador that Japan is paying close attention to the situation with deep concern. He also stated that protecting innocent civilians is important and requested cooperation in ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals.

State Minister Tsuji and Ambassador Cohen concurred to continue close communication toward the stabilization of the region, according to the ministry.

Egypt, Israel and the US said they were working together to ensure the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

However, Egypt said on Monday that Israel was not cooperating with delivery of aid into Gaza and evacuations of foreign passport holders via the only entry it does not wholly control, leaving hundreds of tons of supplies stuck.