Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Waleed Siam, the Ambassador of Palestine to Japan, on Friday commended Japan for its longstanding support and vital contributions to the Palestinian cause.

Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, he highlighted Japan’s significant role in promoting peace across the Middle East.

“Since 1953, Japan has consistently been a steadfast proponent of peace in the Middle East,” remarked Ambassador Siam. He noted Japan’s ongoing support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), recognizing its essential function as a lifeline for Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.

“Japan commands respect across diverse communities — Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, Christians, and Israelis alike. It stands as a key player, particularly since the United States has shown partiality in its mediation between Palestinians and Israelis.

In contrast, Japan, devoid of influential lobbies, maintains its sovereignty and offers substantial potential to foster regional peace,” he continued.

In response to inquiries about former U.S. President Trump’s proposition to relocate Gazans to Egypt and Jordan, thereby vacating Gaza for Israeli gain, Ambassador Siam dismissed such notions.

“The Palestinians are unwavering in their attachment to their homeland. Despite any devastation, they are resolved to rebuild. A two-state solution remains the sole viable resolution,” he affirmed.

Ambassador Siam expressed deep concern over any initiatives to forcibly displace Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, which would disrupt over 1.5 million refugees initially displaced in 1948 and 1967. “Such actions constitute ethnic cleansing, endangering the integrity of Palestinian territories. We appreciate the solidarity of nations like Egypt and Jordan, while cautioning the global community against regional destabilization,” he stated.

Endorsing the idea of a demilitarized zone with foreign supervision separating Israel from Palestine, Siam emphasized the necessity for Palestinian control over its borders. “Palestine extends an olive branch to those desiring peace,” he declared.

Reflecting on the plight of his people, Siam declared, “For 76 years, Palestinians have endured displacement, injustice, and the denial of fundamental rights, all under international scrutiny. Yet, we persist in our identity and presence.”

Addressing Israelis and the global community, he appealed, “We Palestinians seek peace, justice, equality, and sovereignty. The international community fails if it cannot deliver these principles. Should such failures persist, it challenges the legitimacy of the United Nations and all global institutions of governance,” he asserted.

The ambassador was particularly critical of Israeli policies, which he labeled as ethnic cleansing, questioning the moral integrity of a democracy that inflicts such systemic violence.

Addressing international observers, Siam urged, “Leave Palestine to shape its own destiny. We have the education and capability to rebuild, as evidenced by our global contributions in fields such as medicine and aerospace technology. If you wish to support, do so on international platforms advocating for Palestinian rights.”

While acknowledging a fragile ceasefire following intense conflict, Siam highlighted the persisting humanitarian crisis in Gaza exacerbated by ongoing occupation. He asserted that enduring peace requires addressing the fundamental issues of military occupation and the apartheid-like conditions.

Siam concluded by condemning recent legislative moves by the Israeli Knesset, which facilitate illegal colonial settler appropriation of Palestinian lands, marking a step towards annexation in violation of international norms. He called upon the United Nations, European Union, and other international bodies to take decisive action against the expansion of illegal settlements and associated human rights abuses.

Closing the conference with a resolute message, Ambassador Siam proclaimed, “To those convinced of our erasure, rest assured: you will not succeed.”