Arab News Japan

TOKYO: During a visit from the Japan-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship League on Friday, Japanese Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko told the visiting delegation that “the situation in the Gaza Strip is so tragic that it cannot be described in words.”

In the meeting, YAMADA Kenji, the Secretary-General of the Friendship League, asked Israel to avoid a military attack on Rafah, where many civilians are concentrated, ensure an environment that allows the release of hostages and humanitarian aid operations, and proactively continue diplomatic efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire.

He added that it was imperative that the tragedy in Gaza should not be repeated. A resolution was signed calling for Japan to actively contribute toward the realization of a “two-state solution.” 

In response, Kamikawa stated that it was important to “protect human dignity” and the vulnerable people of the Gaza Strip. 

She added that it is important for Japan to secure an environment in which humanitarian aid operations can take place, quickly realize a humanitarian ceasefire that will lead to the release of hostages and realize a sustainable ceasefire. 

While the question of resuming contributions to UNRWA remains unresolved, Kamikawa reiterated that Japan will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to prevent further casualties of innocent civilians in Gaza and to save as many lives as possible. 

Among those in the delegation were Vice-Chairmen NAGASHIMA Akihisa (LDP) and TANIAI Masaaki (Komeito), Secretary-General Yamada Kenji (LDP), Deputy Secretary-General MUTAI Shunsuke (LDP), Secretary ABE Toshiko (LDP), Secretary KAWADA Ryuhei (CDP) and SecretaryFUKUSHIMA Nobuyuki (Yushinokai).