Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Resumed Tenth Emergency Session of the United Nations General Assembly (EOV after the vote)

Thank you, Mr. President.
 
At the outset, I wish to convey our appreciation to the Kingdom of Spain for its leadership. This initiative is timely, particularly at a moment when the people of Gaza have been enduring unconscionable human suffering marked by ever-intensifying hostilities and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
 
Japan voted in favor of the draft resolution as its core values are in alignment with the steadfast position of my country. Namely, it is imperative to achieve an immediate ceasefire, immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access throughout Gaza. 
 
Moreover, we must uphold the relevant principles of international law, especially the obligation to protect civilians—an essential principle rightly underscored in this resolution.
 
That being said, the present resolution should have contained an unequivocal condemnation of the heinous acts of terror perpetrated by Hamas and other militant groups. We must not forget the suffering of the innocent victims of this barbaric crime and that of their loved ones.
 
Japan supports the mediation efforts of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, and urges all parties to return to negotiations and make sincere efforts to end the unfolding nightmare.
 
From this standpoint, Japan has been taking concrete actions, including ministerial-level communication with Israel.
 
During the meeting of the Japanese and Israeli foreign ministers in Tokyo last month, Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi directly conveyed Japan’s serious concerns to his Israeli counterpart, urging full adherence to international law, including international humanitarian law.

Mr. President,
 
Resolutions remain mere words on paper if they are not properly implemented.
 
It is our sincere hope that today’s adoption will translate into meaningful and tangible progress on the ground.
 
But, ultimately, the only viable path to resolving this tragic decades-long conflict is a negotiated two-state solution, where Israel and an independent Palestinian state can coexist side by side in peace and security.
 
In this regard, Japan looks forward to the forthcoming High-Level Conference on the two-state solution. We are honored to co-chair one of the working groups alongside our esteemed Norwegian colleagues, and we remain firmly committed to contributing to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
 
I thank you.