Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on “The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question”

 
I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for sharing his valuable and comprehensive updates.
 
As we approach the passing of 6 months of the conflict in Gaza, we can only observe the destruction and devastation that have resulted since Hamas’s horrifying acts of terror in Israel took place. We once again unequivocally condemn Hamas for their heinous terrorist acts. Colleagues, Intense Israeli air attacks and ground operations have created an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
 
With reports of over 32,000 fatalities, and nearly 2 million displaced persons, an immediate ceasefire is desperately needed to save lives and alleviate the suffering in both Israel and Palestine.
 
Japan is pleased that yesterday, the Security Council was finally able to adopt the resolution, which should lead to a ceasefire for the holy month of Ramadan. We urge the concerned parties to immediately act in good faith based on this resolution, and we continue to support the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar towards a cessation of hostilities and release of the hostages.
 
Japan is deeply concerned about the regional spillover of the conflict. In this vein, a military offensive into Rafah would be catastrophic not only for Gaza, but across the region, and therefore it should not be proceeded under any circumstances.
 
We deplore the Israeli government’s recent plans to seize hundreds of acres of land in the occupied West Bank. Israeli settlement activities violate international law, and we call on Israel to immediately cease such actions as well as other unilateral actions such as settler violence and forcible displacement of Palestinians.
 
To conclude, resolution 2728 illuminates a ray of hope for peace, security and stability in the Middle East. A two-state solution, where Israel and an independent Palestinian State live side by side in peaceful coexistence, continues to be the most viable path towards achieving a sustainable peace in this decades-long conflict. Japan will continue to work constructively with other Council members to that end.