Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan has called for an investigation into the deaths of civilian workers killed by Israeli Defense Forces in the Gaza Strip.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement that said: “Japan calls for an adequate investigation to be conducted and measures to be taken by Israel to prevent recurrences.”

The statement was released in the wake of the killing of seven food aid workers traveling home late at night, despite reportedly advising the Israeli occupation military of who they were and the route they were taking.

Japan noted that a “large number of civilians, including aid workers,” had been killed in attacks without naming Israel directly or condemning the attacks outright.

“Japan expresses its deep concern over the fact that harm is caused to civilians, including aid workers, who are working tirelessly to deliver essential humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza,” the Foreign Ministry stated. “Japan extends its heartfelt sympathy to the victims and offers its condolences to their bereaved family members and also expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the injured.”

Japan urged all the parties involved to act in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law, to avoid further civilian casualties.