Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Briefing, Agenda item “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”

 

 
I thank Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, and OCHA Director Lisa Doughten for your briefings. I join other colleagues in expressing our respect to all humanitarian actors who are tirelessly working under unimaginable conditions.
 
Mr. President,
 
Since October 7^th, thousands of people have been killed and wounded. The tragic sequence of events shows no signs of abating, descending further into a devastating cycle with unimaginable losses of life and the destruction of civilian facilities. Just recently, Israel announced the expansion of its ground operations in Gaza. Japan has been paying careful attention to the situation with grave concern.

Japan has expressed unequivocal condemnation to the terror attacks committed by Hamas and other militants, and extends its sincere condolences to all victims. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining hostages. The international community should never tolerate such a heinous act. Hamas does not speak for the Palestinian people.
 
Every member state has the right to defend itself and its people in accordance with international law. At the same time, all parties must act based on international law.
 
The deterioration of situation in Gaza has led to a deepened humanitarian crisis to an unprecedented level of severity. The loss of any more innocent lives, regardless of their nationalities, religions or ethnicities, is simply unacceptable. No one’s life is more important or less important than that of others.
 
Full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access consistent with international humanitarian law must be allowed in order to alleviate the devastating humanitarian situation. While several trucks have crossed through the Rafah crossing, hundreds more must follow suit to meet the dire needs of over 2 million people.
 
In this context, we should also take further steps immediately, including humanitarian pauses and the establishment of humanitarian corridors.
 
Additionally, we express our profound concern regarding the disconnection of telecommunications networks, which disrupts vital communication channels between those in Gaza and the rest of the world and also impedes the work of media and humanitarian communities. It is especially imperative to ensure these networks function to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the safety of humanitarian workers.
 
As the situation is rapidly evolving, it is critical for all parties in the region to avoid exacerbating this conflict. The international community has a duty to redouble its diplomatic efforts in order to prevent the instability from spilling over into the region, and to calm the situation with a sense of urgency.
 
The Security Council needs to act urgently to find a common ground among all Council members to deliver a meaningful message and help to all parties; to all in distress. While we remain unable to act, lives are being lost day-by-day, minute-by-minute. We must also recall that ultimately, there is no alternative to a two-state solution. All parties must make serious efforts to this end.
 
I thank you.