Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan’s Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko addressed the Israel-Palestine conflict on Friday and reiterated the right of a sovereign state such as Israel to self-defense, but she emphasized that self-defense measures should be exercised on the basis of international law.

“The importance of protecting civilians and the securing of an environment that allows for the extension of humanitarian aid have been conveyed to Israel,” Kamikawa said in reply to a question from Arab News Japan. “Israel has the right to protect its own nation as well as its people, but generally speaking such rights should be exercised based on international law. That goes without saying.”

Kamikawa said the situation in Gaza is getting “more and more serious with an increase in the number of casualties there.”

“We have been watching the situation with deep concern,” she said. “We are urging all parties to ensure the security of civilians and to reach a quick reduction in tension.” 

The Foreign Minister says Japan will continue to monitor the situation on the ground and communicate with the countries concerned to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals and make diplomatic efforts to improve the situation.