Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs TSUJI Kiyoto extended his country’s “deepest condolences and sympathies for the Israeli victims of the October 7 terror attack by Hamas and the Palestinians” and said that Japan is deeply worried about the Israelis who were taken hostage and that all of them must be released immediately.

In a meeting on February 28 in Israel with its Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Tsuji also stated that the “terror attack by Hamas and other Palestinians should never be tolerated, and Japan has unequivocally condemned such acts.

 According to the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, State Minister Tsuji stated that Japan is deeply concerned about the critical humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and believes a humanitarian ceasefire needs to be realized promptly in such a way as to ensure a conducive environment for sufficient humanitarian assistance activities as well as to lead to the release of the remaining hostages, therefore resulting in the realization of a sustainable ceasefire.

He confirmed that Japan has consistently supported a two-state solution, and peace can be achieved only through dialogue between the stakeholders.

In response, Katz explained Israel’s position on post-war relations with Palestine and regional cooperation, in addition to the current situation. The Foreign Ministry in Tokyo did not elaborate and only said both sides concurred on continuing close communication for regional stability.

After the meeting, State Minister Tsuji, in the presence of Foreign Minister Katz, met for approximately 30 minutes with families of those who were killed or kidnapped in the “Hamas terror attacks.” The families explained the situation on the day of the attack and requested cooperation toward the early release of the hostages and a world without terrorism, the Ministry in Tokyo said.

“Tsuji thanked the families for sharing their stories under such difficult circumstances and stated that he would make every possible effort towards the release of the hostages and a world free of terrorism.”

Tsuji also met Tzachi Hanegbi of the National Security Council during his visit and made the same statements, the Ministry said.