Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan on Sunday welcomed American President Joe Biden’s remarks that Israel has offered a comprehensive new proposal regarding negotiation between Israel and Hamas on the hostage release and ceasefire. 

“Even to this day, many people who have been held hostage are yet to be released, and at the same time, the humanitarian situation on the ground is becoming increasingly dire due to the prolonged fighting,” Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko said in a statement emphasizing Japan’s concerns about the Israeli hostages being released.

“Under such circumstances, Japan highly appreciates the vigorous diplomatic efforts made by the U.S. toward improving the situation and strongly supports President Biden’s initiative,” she said. 

Kamikawa said Japan strongly urges all parties to seize this opportunity and steadily work toward releasing all hostages and a sustainable ceasefire. 

“In close coordination with countries concerned, Japan will continue to persistently and proactively make diplomatic efforts toward releasing the hostages, improving the humanitarian situation and calming down the situation as soon as possible,” the statement said.