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”

 
Thank you, Mr. President.
 
I also thank Special Coordinator Wennesland and Dr. Baxter for their informative and sobering briefings.
 
More than ten months into the conflict, which was triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel in October last year, every passing day brings more and more destruction, casualties, suffering and trauma despite the international efforts.
 
The hostages and their loved ones have been living in an unendurable state of fear and uncertainty that increases day by day. The hostages must be freed and returned to their families.
 
Japan is appalled by the relentless hostilities in Gaza leading to an unimaginable toll of civilian deaths and injuries, most of them women and children.
 
We remain gravely concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian situation.
 
Palestinians face endless evacuation orders by the Israel Defense Forces, on top of suffering from hunger and lack of access to water, medicine, and shelter.
 
Gaza’s children have lost one year of education.
 
Humanitarian aid workers must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law.
 
The repeated attacks against them that we have seen are totally unacceptable.
 
The spread of disease, in particular the risk of polio, is deeply alarming.
 
Japan welcomes the announcement by the WHO and UNICEF of their plan to launch two rounds of polio vaccinations starting at the end of this month.
 
We expect Israel to ensure a safe and effective delivery of the necessary doses, and encourage collaborative efforts by COGAT in this regard.
 
Mr. President,
 
Tensions are boiling beyond Gaza.
 
Japan reiterates its deep concern and regret over the continued illegal settlement expansion by Israel in the West Bank, as well as the intensifying settler violence.
 
In this vein, Japan has recently introduced sanctions against the violent settlers.

Their conduct undermines the viability of a two-state solution and cannot be condoned.
 
We also express grave concern over the dangerous escalation caused by Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other militant groups.
 
All sides must step back from the brink, avoid bellicose rhetoric, and de-escalate the situation.
 
Japan is actively engaging regional stakeholders, such as Iran and Lebanon, through various channels including direct outreach by our Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, to avoid any further deterioration.
 
Mr. President,
 
A ceasefire in Gaza is essential to bring an end to this nightmare and restore much-needed peace and stability in the Middle East.
 
The latest round of negotiations is critical, and we highly appreciate the tireless diplomatic efforts led by the US, Egypt, and Qatar.
 
Now is the time to achieve a long-awaited ceasefire, bring hostages back and expand aid delivery across Gaza at scale.
 
We therefore urgently appeal to the parties, especially Hamas, to show the will to finally conclude a deal in accordance with Security Council resolution 2735.
 
The violence must stop immediately.
 
Mr. President,
 
Even at this time of devastation, we must not lose sight of the future.
 
Japan reiterates its unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-State solution where Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
 
In this regard, we stress the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, and we will spare no effort to revitalize the PA toward that end.
 
Only in this way can this decades-long tragic dispute finally be resolved.
 
I thank you.