Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan should fall in line with the international community and recognize Palestine as a state and fulfill its responsibility” in response to the rising death toll from the genocide in Gaza, the Japanese Communist Party’s newspaper Akahata said in an editorial.

It notes that about 160 countries, including G7 nations such as the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, have recognized the State of Palestine, representing 80 percent of UN member states. The editorial says, “The Japanese government, which has held off on recognizing a Palestinian state due to US pressure, should do so without delay.”

It said the opportunity presented by the peace proposal endorsed by US President Donald Trump should not be missed. 

“It is vital to make good use of this opportunity to achieve a permanent ceasefire,” Akahata said.

Akahata in Japanese means ‘The Red Flag.’

“In order to put an end to the extreme suffering in Gaza and realize a two-state solution which includes the establishment of a comprehensive and inclusive peace and respects Palestinian’s right to self-determination, UN involvement and the international community’s efforts are strongly required.”

The newspaper emphasized that Israel “has escalated its genocide campaign in Gaza with overwhelming military force,” with the death toll approaching 70,000.