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”
2023/7/27
(As delivered)
Madam President,
I thank ASG Khiari for his briefing.
Violence and clashes have resulted in multiple casualties in various locations, including in Jerusalem and the West Bank especially since the beginning of this year.
Japan once again urges all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and refrain from any inflammatory actions to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. Japan expresses its grave concern over the repeated visit to holy sites in Jerusalem by an incumbent minister, the latest of which took place earlier today. Japan reiterates its recognition of Jordan's special role as custodian of the holy sites, and attaches great importance to preserving the historic status quo.
We believe that the problems faced by Israelis and Palestinians can never be resolved through violence, but only through direct and sincere dialogue between the parties alongside efforts to build mutual trust. In this vein, Japan recalls the urgent need for all parties to come back and implement the commitments made in the Joint Communiqués in Aqaba and Sharm al-Sheikh earlier this year.
Madam President,
We strongly condemn all acts of violence targeting civilians, including terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In this regard, we are seriously concerned by the Israeli forces’ largescale military operation in a crowded Jenin refugee camp earlier this month, which resulted in a number of innocent civilian deaths and displaced thousands. Civilian populations should be protected from all forms of violence.
Israel’s settlement activities, including demolitions and evictions, are a clear violation of international law and against relevant Security Council resolutions. Japan demands that Israel comply with Security Council resolution 2334 and immediately cease its unilateral actions that undermine a two-state solution.
Madam President,
Japan will continue to be a strong supporter of UNRWA. While some additional pledges were made at the GA pledging conference last month, the amounts were not sufficient to meet the Agency’s financial needs for 2023. What will be the fate of Palestine refugees if UNRWA's support for basic services ceases in September? For our part, Japan has contributed more than 40 million US dollars in 2023 so far. In light of the continued tremendous needs on the ground, we strongly encourage our fellow Member States to make the necessary contributions to ensure the Agency is adequately funded.
To resolve the longstanding conflict in the region, a two-state solution continues to be the only viable path where both Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace and security. In this regard, we appreciate Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland’s efforts to deescalate tensions. The international community, including the Security Council, must not stand idly by and both parties must take meaningful steps in good faith. Japan will spare no effort to contributing constructively to this end.
I thank you.
I thank ASG Khiari for his briefing.
Violence and clashes have resulted in multiple casualties in various locations, including in Jerusalem and the West Bank especially since the beginning of this year.
Japan once again urges all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and refrain from any inflammatory actions to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. Japan expresses its grave concern over the repeated visit to holy sites in Jerusalem by an incumbent minister, the latest of which took place earlier today. Japan reiterates its recognition of Jordan's special role as custodian of the holy sites, and attaches great importance to preserving the historic status quo.
We believe that the problems faced by Israelis and Palestinians can never be resolved through violence, but only through direct and sincere dialogue between the parties alongside efforts to build mutual trust. In this vein, Japan recalls the urgent need for all parties to come back and implement the commitments made in the Joint Communiqués in Aqaba and Sharm al-Sheikh earlier this year.
Madam President,
We strongly condemn all acts of violence targeting civilians, including terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In this regard, we are seriously concerned by the Israeli forces’ largescale military operation in a crowded Jenin refugee camp earlier this month, which resulted in a number of innocent civilian deaths and displaced thousands. Civilian populations should be protected from all forms of violence.
Israel’s settlement activities, including demolitions and evictions, are a clear violation of international law and against relevant Security Council resolutions. Japan demands that Israel comply with Security Council resolution 2334 and immediately cease its unilateral actions that undermine a two-state solution.
Madam President,
Japan will continue to be a strong supporter of UNRWA. While some additional pledges were made at the GA pledging conference last month, the amounts were not sufficient to meet the Agency’s financial needs for 2023. What will be the fate of Palestine refugees if UNRWA's support for basic services ceases in September? For our part, Japan has contributed more than 40 million US dollars in 2023 so far. In light of the continued tremendous needs on the ground, we strongly encourage our fellow Member States to make the necessary contributions to ensure the Agency is adequately funded.
To resolve the longstanding conflict in the region, a two-state solution continues to be the only viable path where both Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace and security. In this regard, we appreciate Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland’s efforts to deescalate tensions. The international community, including the Security Council, must not stand idly by and both parties must take meaningful steps in good faith. Japan will spare no effort to contributing constructively to this end.
I thank you.