Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Council of Arab Ambassadors in Japan, speaking for all Arab countries, held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs TSUJI Kiyoto on Friday to stress that only international intervention would bring about an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The Council said that the violence of the past 42 days had killed close to 12,000 Palestinians, including 4,700 children and 3,200 women, and the numbers were growing every day.

The Council expressed its appreciation for Japan’s participation in the United Nations Security Council resolution but disappointment that Japan had not asked for a ceasefire. They added that the international community had allowed Israel to ignore international laws for too long and it was time to hold them to account for their actions.

They pointed out that Japan could use its influence in the international community to demand that the Security Council adopt resolutions that would protect the civilians of the Gaza Strip, allow humanitarian aid and basic supplies to reach the people, and prevent more destruction of hospitals by Israel’s military forces.

The Council also said that Japan could support legal steps to hold war criminals responsible and advocate for a two-state solution, as per UN resolutions.

The meeting ended with the Council reiterating its concern over Japan’s lack of clear support for the Palestinian suffering at the hands of Israel and indicating that it could affect Japan’s image if it did not prioritize support to end the violence.