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”

I thank Secretary-General Guterres, Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland and Deputy Special Coordinator Hastings for their briefings. The situation is changing dramatically by the hour, and timely updates to the Security Council are critical.
 
Mr. President,
 
Japan once again condemns the terror attacks committed by Hamas and other Palestinian militants in the strongest terms.
 
Hostages must be released immediately. The international community should never tolerate such heinous acts.
 
It is important for us to redouble our diplomatic efforts so that the situation calms down and does not spill over across the region.
 
Israel has the right to defend itself and its people in accordance with international law. At the same time, all parties need to act based on international law.
 
Equally crucial is addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza. We must also secure the safety of civilians. We need to take all measures necessary to allow full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access consistent with international humanitarian law to alleviate the devastating humanitarian situation where basic needs such as electricity, water, food and sanitation are running out.
 
Japan would also like to reaffirm the importance of ensuring the protection of medical and humanitarian personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions including Resolution 2286.
 
Mr. President,
 
The threat of spillover into the region and beyond is very real. We have already seen skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah, missiles and drones being shot down by the U.S. Navy in the Red Sea, and the bombing of Aleppo and Damascus airports. All too easily the situation could erupt into a regional war that no one would benefit from. We must act now to prevent it.
 
Japan supports any diplomatic activities that can lead towards de-escalation, and the improvement of the humanitarian situation, including the Cairo Summit for Peace over the weekend and ongoing negotiations to free the hostages.
 
We pay deep respect to the efforts by the United States, Egypt, and the Secretary-General that led to the entry of aid trucks through the Rafah crossing into Gaza. But more is needed, and we should encourage further steps to continue to deliver lifesaving assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza without delay.
 
The united action of the Security Council, which has primary responsibility for international peace and security, is needed now more than ever. The silence of the Security Council is not acceptable, and we must move forward promptly.
 
Mr. President,
 
The current conflict has demonstrated yet again how vital the two-state solution is. Japan supports a two-state solution whereby Israel and a future independent Palestinian state live side by side in peace and security. We must not give up on peace. Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve to live in peace, security, and dignity.
 
In concluding, let me make 3 points. First, we need fairness. We need to express sympathy, condolences, solidarity with and feel pains as with all innocent civilians regardless of their nationalities, ethnicity, or religious beliefs. Rule of law has to apply equally. Second, we need to be clear about our objectives. It’s two state solution through diplomatic efforts. Third and last, we need pragmatism. However ideal a proposal may be, it does not help if it is not very unfortunately implemented. We need to capitalize on proposals that make a difference on the ground. This Council’s task is to agree upon the most meaningful implementable steps we can hope for and not to scrap proposals just because they are not ideal. It goes without saying that pragmatism should not compromise international law  or international humanitarian law. What we need now is to help innocent lives, not political games.
 
I thank you.