Statement by H.E. Ambassador OSUGA Takeshi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on the Middle East
2021/7/28
Mr. President,
First and foremost, I would like to reaffirm Japan’s commitment to supporting a two-state solution based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters.
The devastating acts of violence exchanged between Israel and Palestinian militants in May hindered prospects for building trust between the parties and making progress on the Middle East Peace Process. The ceasefire declared by both parties brought some relief, and Japan welcomes the mediation efforts by countries concerned including the United States and Egypt. However, the situation on the ground, including settlement activities and destruction of Palestinian homes by Israeli authorities in the West Bank as well as acts of hostility by both Palestinian militants in Gaza and the Israel Defense Forces, remains worrisome. These actions jeopardize the ceasefire and could lead to re-escalation. Japan calls upon all parties to halt any activities that would hinder progress towards full realization of peace in the Middle East. Japan also reiterates that the solution could never be achieved through violence but only through negotiations, and through efforts to build mutual trust between the parties.
Mr. President,
The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza persists as a result of the escalation in May. Japan decided in June to extend emergency grant aid of 10 million US dollars to the Gaza Strip and is committed to playing an active role in providing support to reconstruction efforts. While welcoming the international efforts to meet the enormous humanitarian needs since the escalation, particularly by Egypt, Japan calls on international society to respond to the appeals by OCHA and UNRWA to provide further support for the people affected in Gaza, and encourages Israel to ensure sufficient humanitarian access to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom and Erez crossings.
More broadly, Japan has been extending multi-faceted assistance to meet the socio-economic needs of Palestinians and strengthen human security. To counter the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan decided to provide cold chain equipment and related assistance amounting to approximately 8.1 million US dollars. Japan highly values its long-standing partnership with UNRWA and has already disbursed 32 million US dollars this year to the Agency.
Furthermore, Japan has been taking the lead in two important initiatives: "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" and "Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD)” with the aim of supporting (1) political dialogues among the parties concerned; (2) Palestinians' state building efforts, and (3) confidence-building between the two sides.
Mr. President,
Since the last open debate of the Council in April, we have seen important developments on the political front. Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. SUGA Yoshihide wrote in his congratulatory letter addressed to Mr. Naftali Bennett upon his taking office as the Prime Minister of Israel in June that Japan would spare no effort to achieve a two-state solution, recognizing that progress in the peace process is of paramount importance for peace and stability in the region.
On the other hand, we regret that the series of elections in Palestine were postponed to undetermined dates. Japan is convinced that only democratically elected leaders on both sides would have the legitimate power to advance direct negotiations towards realizing a two-state solution. Japan again urges all parties concerned to collaborate to ensure a successful holding of Palestinian elections in a free, fair and inclusive manner which will include voting by Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem. Japan stands ready to help make these elections happen.
Thank you.
First and foremost, I would like to reaffirm Japan’s commitment to supporting a two-state solution based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters.
The devastating acts of violence exchanged between Israel and Palestinian militants in May hindered prospects for building trust between the parties and making progress on the Middle East Peace Process. The ceasefire declared by both parties brought some relief, and Japan welcomes the mediation efforts by countries concerned including the United States and Egypt. However, the situation on the ground, including settlement activities and destruction of Palestinian homes by Israeli authorities in the West Bank as well as acts of hostility by both Palestinian militants in Gaza and the Israel Defense Forces, remains worrisome. These actions jeopardize the ceasefire and could lead to re-escalation. Japan calls upon all parties to halt any activities that would hinder progress towards full realization of peace in the Middle East. Japan also reiterates that the solution could never be achieved through violence but only through negotiations, and through efforts to build mutual trust between the parties.
Mr. President,
The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza persists as a result of the escalation in May. Japan decided in June to extend emergency grant aid of 10 million US dollars to the Gaza Strip and is committed to playing an active role in providing support to reconstruction efforts. While welcoming the international efforts to meet the enormous humanitarian needs since the escalation, particularly by Egypt, Japan calls on international society to respond to the appeals by OCHA and UNRWA to provide further support for the people affected in Gaza, and encourages Israel to ensure sufficient humanitarian access to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom and Erez crossings.
More broadly, Japan has been extending multi-faceted assistance to meet the socio-economic needs of Palestinians and strengthen human security. To counter the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan decided to provide cold chain equipment and related assistance amounting to approximately 8.1 million US dollars. Japan highly values its long-standing partnership with UNRWA and has already disbursed 32 million US dollars this year to the Agency.
Furthermore, Japan has been taking the lead in two important initiatives: "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" and "Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD)” with the aim of supporting (1) political dialogues among the parties concerned; (2) Palestinians' state building efforts, and (3) confidence-building between the two sides.
Mr. President,
Since the last open debate of the Council in April, we have seen important developments on the political front. Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. SUGA Yoshihide wrote in his congratulatory letter addressed to Mr. Naftali Bennett upon his taking office as the Prime Minister of Israel in June that Japan would spare no effort to achieve a two-state solution, recognizing that progress in the peace process is of paramount importance for peace and stability in the region.
On the other hand, we regret that the series of elections in Palestine were postponed to undetermined dates. Japan is convinced that only democratically elected leaders on both sides would have the legitimate power to advance direct negotiations towards realizing a two-state solution. Japan again urges all parties concerned to collaborate to ensure a successful holding of Palestinian elections in a free, fair and inclusive manner which will include voting by Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem. Japan stands ready to help make these elections happen.
Thank you.