TOKYO: The Japanese government strongly urged Israel to freeze its illegal settlement activities because it violates international law and undermines the viability of a two-state solution with Palestine. 

An official statement released by the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo also said Japan regrets Israel’s approval to build around 3,500 housing units in settlements in the West Bank and remains seriously concerned about the continued Israeli settlement activities despite repeated calls by Japan and the international community.

“The Government of Japan strongly urges Israel to reverse the decision and fully freeze its settlement activities, and refrain from actions that escalate tensions, especially before Ramadan, taking into account the critical humanitarian situations in the Gaza Strip and the occurring violence and collision in the West Bank,” the ministry said.