Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Lebanon’s Ambassador to Japan, Nidal Yehya, asked Japan for support in the face of relentless attacks by Israel and thanked Japan for its recent emergency assistance package of $10 million . He also expressed gratitude to the Japanese Red Cross Society for launching a nationwide campaign to support Lebanese families, which has already provided the needed aid.

“I am here to convey the gravity of the situation our nation is facing due to the ongoing Israeli war and aggression on Lebanon and to appeal for further support from Japan – a steadfast friend and ally in our time of need – and, in particular, I urge the Japanese media to cover the severe daily events in Lebanon, which is affecting countless lives each day,” Ambassador Yehya told a press conference at Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.

“Japan’s support shines as a beacon of hope, and it is with this spirit of friendship that I ask for your continued coverage of the ongoing Israeli war on our Lebanese people and territories. Your continued solidarity is crucial to ensure Lebanon’s safety, stability, and future,” the Lebanese Ambassador said, underlining the significant role Japan’s support plays in Lebanon’s future.

Yehya said the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon has reached “unprecedented proportions,” with 2,850 people killed and 13,000 civilians wounded from over 11,500 airstrikes by Israel. The situation is dire and requires immediate action.

“Our healthcare infrastructure has been devastated,” Yehya added, explaining that 18 hospitals and health centers had been attacked, and about 200 healthcare workers and paramedics had lost their lives.

“The conflict has displaced 1.4 million people internally within just two weeks, a staggering 25 percent of our population,” Yehya said. “Lebanon is facing an offensive of sophisticated weaponry, including phosphorus, vacuum and cluster bombs, targeting civilians and vital infrastructure in the country.” He said the bombing was worse than in Berlin, London, and Tokyo during World War II. Yet, the Lebanese people remain resilient in the face of such adversity.

“Civilians, ambulances, medical teams and even UN peacekeeping forces in the south of Lebanon have been repeatedly attacked, with border crossings to Syria obliterated, further trapping those seeking safety,” he said​, adding that Lebanon is host to 2 million Syrian refugees and 350,000 Palestinian refugees.

The Japanese government has initiated a ceasefire, including issuing multiple press releases and statements, co-signing two joint statements at the UN Security Council, and endorsing the ceasefire agreement brokered by the French and American presidents on September 26.

Yehya asked the Japanese government to advocate with Lebanon for an immediate cessation of hostilities, condemnation of civilian attacks, and enforcement of UN Resolution 1701. He also asked Japan to support actions within the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court to demand accountability and reparations for the destruction wrought on Lebanon. He also wants Japan to take a stand against lethal AI weaponry.

In closing, Yehya said two historic Lebanese cedar trees will be planted this month in Tokyo’s Kinuta Park as part of the Kinuta Park Lebanon Cedar Project “as a symbol of goodwill between our two nations and our people” and to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Lebanon.