Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate, Agenda item “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”
2023/4/25
(As delivered)
Mr. President,
I thank Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for his briefing.
Since the beginning of this year, numerous incidents have happened that exacerbated tensions between Israel and the Palestine. The Security Council has met urgently more than several times, including the most recent consultations held in response to the beatings and mass arrests of Palestinian worshipers by Israeli security forces at the Al-Aqsa Mosque which we condemn, but the situation remains volatile.
Japan attaches great importance to preserving the historic status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem. In this regard, Prime Minister Kishida stressed the importance of Jordan's special role of custodianship during this month’s Summit Meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II. Our Prime Minister also held a telephone talk with President of the State of Israel, where he expressed his concern over unilateral measures by both sides. Any unilateral actions or provocations that aggravate an already tense situation are unacceptable.
At the same time, Japan strongly condemns rocket attacks by Palestinian militants. We also condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the terrorist attack in Tel Aviv on April 7th.
The settlement activities of Israel in the West Bank continue to be a cause for grave concern. It is imperative for the Israeli Government to cease their settlement activities, demolitions, and evictions. The settlement activities as well as expansion of settlements constitute a violation of international law and go against relevant Security Council resolutions.
Japan, once again, urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that would escalate tensions and undermine efforts towards peace. In this context, we welcome the serious efforts through the five-party talks both in Aqaba and Sharm al-Shaykh to manage the situation on the ground through engagement with the parties and advocacy for the resumption of direct negotiations.
The international community should play an active role in supporting the parties to achieve a peaceful solution. In this vein, Japan hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting last week in which the G7 called on Israelis and Palestinians to take steps to build trust toward the realization of a two-state solution. They also expressed their readiness to continue assisting the Palestinians to enhance their economic self-reliance. I would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate Japan’s enduring commitment to supporting Palestinians in need including through UNRWA, for which Japan is one of the largest donors.
In conclusion, peace and stability in the region cannot be achieved without a political resolution to this conflict. It is vital to end the cycle of violence on the ground, and promote confidence-building measures to maintain the prospects for a two-state solution. Japan stands ready to contribute to these efforts, and we urge all parties to engage constructively towards a two-state solution.
I thank you.
I thank Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for his briefing.
Since the beginning of this year, numerous incidents have happened that exacerbated tensions between Israel and the Palestine. The Security Council has met urgently more than several times, including the most recent consultations held in response to the beatings and mass arrests of Palestinian worshipers by Israeli security forces at the Al-Aqsa Mosque which we condemn, but the situation remains volatile.
Japan attaches great importance to preserving the historic status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem. In this regard, Prime Minister Kishida stressed the importance of Jordan's special role of custodianship during this month’s Summit Meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II. Our Prime Minister also held a telephone talk with President of the State of Israel, where he expressed his concern over unilateral measures by both sides. Any unilateral actions or provocations that aggravate an already tense situation are unacceptable.
At the same time, Japan strongly condemns rocket attacks by Palestinian militants. We also condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the terrorist attack in Tel Aviv on April 7th.
The settlement activities of Israel in the West Bank continue to be a cause for grave concern. It is imperative for the Israeli Government to cease their settlement activities, demolitions, and evictions. The settlement activities as well as expansion of settlements constitute a violation of international law and go against relevant Security Council resolutions.
Japan, once again, urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that would escalate tensions and undermine efforts towards peace. In this context, we welcome the serious efforts through the five-party talks both in Aqaba and Sharm al-Shaykh to manage the situation on the ground through engagement with the parties and advocacy for the resumption of direct negotiations.
The international community should play an active role in supporting the parties to achieve a peaceful solution. In this vein, Japan hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting last week in which the G7 called on Israelis and Palestinians to take steps to build trust toward the realization of a two-state solution. They also expressed their readiness to continue assisting the Palestinians to enhance their economic self-reliance. I would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate Japan’s enduring commitment to supporting Palestinians in need including through UNRWA, for which Japan is one of the largest donors.
In conclusion, peace and stability in the region cannot be achieved without a political resolution to this conflict. It is vital to end the cycle of violence on the ground, and promote confidence-building measures to maintain the prospects for a two-state solution. Japan stands ready to contribute to these efforts, and we urge all parties to engage constructively towards a two-state solution.
I thank you.