Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan, in a significant move, shrugged off US President Donald Trump’s remarks about US ownership of Gaza, and committed to providing crucial humanitarian and rebuilding support to the Palestinians there.

HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Chief Cabinet Secretary, told a press conference on Wednesday morning that the Japanese government is aware of the remarks, which were made in the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is accused of war crimes by International Court of Justice.

Hayashi declined to comment directly, stressing that Japan is “seriously concerned” about the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Japanese minister reaffirmed Tokyo’s call for all relevant parties to work towards improving the humanitarian situation and calming tensions through the steady implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

Hayashi reiterated Japan’s determination to actively provide urgent humanitarian assistance and medium- to long-term restoration and reconstruction support in cooperation with relevant countries and organizations.