- ARAB NEWS
- 01 May 2025
Since 1975
TOKYO: Nagasaki Mayor SUZUKI Shiro has decided to postpone sending an invitation to Israel to participate in the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 9, the anniversary of the atomic bombing of the city. This decision comes as he also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
At a press conference, Suzuki stated, “The situation is changing daily, and we need to monitor the situation. So, we would like to hold off sending out invitations.” He plans to send a letter to Israel urging for an “immediate ceasefire” and stated that the invitation will be put on hold for now.
Suzuki elaborated on the rationale behind the decision, saying, “Given the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the global sentiment, we are apprehensive about the possibility of an unforeseen incident during the ceremony.”
The city of Hiroshima, however, has sent an invitation to Israel, which also included a request for an “immediate ceasefire.” However, some peace groups criticized Hiroshima’s invitation to Israel and considered it as an approval of the massacres by Israel in the Gaza Strip.
