Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi, in a meeting with Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar on Tuesday, emphasized the ‘serious concern’ about the rapidly escalating situation in Gaza, as stated by Japan’s Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, Iwaya started by condemning the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas and other Palestinian groups on October 7, 2023, and referred to the situation on the ground in Gaza as “devastating” and noted the many civilian casualties caused by the “resumption of military operations.”

The Japanese Foreign Minister urged “all parties in the conflict” to return to negotiations, work in good faith toward a lasting ceasefire agreement, and strongly abide by international law, including international humanitarian law, in a bid for a peaceful resolution.

Iwaya, however, did not directly address the tens of thousands of Palestinians, primarily women and children, who have been killed by Israeli occupation forces. This omission aligns with Japan’s policy of not condemning Israel, a stance motivated by concerns that any such condemnation could provoke anger from the United States.

Iwaya also underscored the ‘vital importance of a two-state solution to resolve the situation in Palestine,’ emphasizing the necessity for a long-term resolution.

On the overall situation in the Middle East, Iwaya emphasized that further escalation , which could lead to more violence and instability, would not be in the interest of the international community and called on all parties, including Israel, to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

In response, Foreign Minister Sa’ar explained Israel’s position,   the ministry said without elaboration.

Iwaya hoped that Sa’ar’s visit to Japan during the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, an event that Israel is participating in, would help deepen mutual understanding between the two countries’ peoples. In response, Minister Sa’ar said he hoped that his visit to Japan would be an opportunity further to advance the bilateral relations between Japan and Israel.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed to continue exchanging views on Japan-Israel relations and regional and international issues.