Statement by H.E. Mr. ANDO Toshihide, Assistant Minister (Ambassador) / Director-General, Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on “the Situation in the Middle East”
2024/9/25
(As delivered)
Thank you, Madam President.
I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing.
Japan is gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.
Over the past year, the Security Council members, including Japan, have been calling on all concerned actors to refrain from any action that would further escalate tensions in the region. Yet, heavy exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah in the past few days have reportedly killed hundreds of people, including women and children, and wounded thousands.
Japan extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and loved ones of the victims and expresses its deepest sympathy to those who were injured. Japan renews its call for de-escalation by all relevant parties.
Madam President,
No one desires to witness any further catastrophe in the Middle East.
Japan is especially concerned with the civilians who have been victimized and affected by the ongoing conflict. Many innocent civilians, including women and children, have been killed and injured by attacks. Tens of thousands of people in both Lebanon and Israel have been displaced from their homes since the daily exchanges of fire began last October.
We once again urge all parties to immediately take all measures to prevent civilian casualties and adhere to international law, including the protection of civilians.
Japan calls for the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1701, which calls for a return to a cessation of hostilities along the Blue Line, as well as abiding by international law, including international humanitarian law. At the same time, Japan strongly urges all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation. Japan supports the tireless efforts made by UNIFIL together with UNTSO and UNSCOL to reduce tensions.
Japan also reiterates its strong support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages based on the outlines of Security Council resolution 2735. We reaffirm our strong commitment to making every diplomatic effort to end the cycle of violence and restore peace and stability in the Middle East.
Thank you, Madam President.
I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing.
Japan is gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.
Over the past year, the Security Council members, including Japan, have been calling on all concerned actors to refrain from any action that would further escalate tensions in the region. Yet, heavy exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah in the past few days have reportedly killed hundreds of people, including women and children, and wounded thousands.
Japan extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and loved ones of the victims and expresses its deepest sympathy to those who were injured. Japan renews its call for de-escalation by all relevant parties.
Madam President,
No one desires to witness any further catastrophe in the Middle East.
Japan is especially concerned with the civilians who have been victimized and affected by the ongoing conflict. Many innocent civilians, including women and children, have been killed and injured by attacks. Tens of thousands of people in both Lebanon and Israel have been displaced from their homes since the daily exchanges of fire began last October.
We once again urge all parties to immediately take all measures to prevent civilian casualties and adhere to international law, including the protection of civilians.
Japan calls for the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1701, which calls for a return to a cessation of hostilities along the Blue Line, as well as abiding by international law, including international humanitarian law. At the same time, Japan strongly urges all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation. Japan supports the tireless efforts made by UNIFIL together with UNTSO and UNSCOL to reduce tensions.
Japan also reiterates its strong support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages based on the outlines of Security Council resolution 2735. We reaffirm our strong commitment to making every diplomatic effort to end the cycle of violence and restore peace and stability in the Middle East.
Thank you, Madam President.