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”
2024/9/27
(As delivered)
Thank you, Madam President.
I thank Secretary-General for his sobering briefing, and also I express our deep appreciation to the UN organizations and their staff on the ground for their humanitarian roles under the extremely dangerous situation.
The conflict in Gaza has gone on for nearly a year.
Every day brings additional suffering to both Israelis and Palestinians.
Japan reiterates our strong condemnation of the brutal acts of terror, as well as the taking and killing of hostages, by Hamas and other militant groups.
At the same time, the enormous number of civilian casualties caused by Israel’s military operations is intolerable.
The humanitarian situation is simply catastrophic, depriving the people of Gaza of their dignity.
Let us be clear:
Hostages must be released.
Civilians must be protected.
Humanitarian personnel must be guaranteed a safe operating space.
International law must be respected.
And, most importantly, the conflict and violence must end immediately.
The longer this conflict continues, the more civilians will be victimized, the more people will suffer from hunger and disease, and the more children will be orphaned and traumatized.
It is too late for many, but still we should call to prioritize their well-being, not to fight for a military victory.
There is no winner in a competition of pain.
That is why the parties, in particular Hamas, must swiftly move towards the conclusion of a deal in accordance with this Council’s resolution 2735.
This will pave the way to release hostages, bring an immediate ceasefire, and expand aid delivery throughout Gaza.
Japan reiterates its unwavering support for the tireless mediation efforts by the US, Egypt and Qatar.
Madam President,
We have also witnessed an alarming escalation in the West Bank.
The heavy civilian fatalities and the massive destruction of civilian infrastructure are deeply concerning.
The General Assembly has recently adopted a resolution, following up on the ICJ Advisory Opinion.
As a country which attaches great importance to the role of the ICJ and the rule of law, Japan voted in favor of the resolution after thorough consideration.
Israel’s settlement activities are in violation of international law.
Japan strongly urges the Government of Israel to completely halt its settlement activities, as the GA resolution demands.
We also condemn the violence by the extreme settlers.
As we all know, the only viable path to resolve this tragic conflict is a two-state solution, where both Israel and a future independent Palestinian state live side-by-side in peace and security.
This requires confidence building and sustainable dialogue between the parties, not hostilities or hatred.
Diplomacy must prevail even in this time of difficulty and darkness.
Japan will continue to play its part to seek a peaceful way out of this decades-long conflict.
Madam President,
Last, but not least, we are compelled to address the extremely dangerous situation in Lebanon.
Japan is strongly concerned about the escalation of tensions between Israel and Hezbollah and deeply saddened by the numerous civilian casualties.
Japan has joined the statement along with the likeminded countries calling for an immediate 21-day ceasefire.
We call on all parties to endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately consistent with Security Council resolution 1701, and to give a real chance for a diplomatic settlement.
Thank you, Madam President.
I thank Secretary-General for his sobering briefing, and also I express our deep appreciation to the UN organizations and their staff on the ground for their humanitarian roles under the extremely dangerous situation.
The conflict in Gaza has gone on for nearly a year.
Every day brings additional suffering to both Israelis and Palestinians.
Japan reiterates our strong condemnation of the brutal acts of terror, as well as the taking and killing of hostages, by Hamas and other militant groups.
At the same time, the enormous number of civilian casualties caused by Israel’s military operations is intolerable.
The humanitarian situation is simply catastrophic, depriving the people of Gaza of their dignity.
Let us be clear:
Hostages must be released.
Civilians must be protected.
Humanitarian personnel must be guaranteed a safe operating space.
International law must be respected.
And, most importantly, the conflict and violence must end immediately.
The longer this conflict continues, the more civilians will be victimized, the more people will suffer from hunger and disease, and the more children will be orphaned and traumatized.
It is too late for many, but still we should call to prioritize their well-being, not to fight for a military victory.
There is no winner in a competition of pain.
That is why the parties, in particular Hamas, must swiftly move towards the conclusion of a deal in accordance with this Council’s resolution 2735.
This will pave the way to release hostages, bring an immediate ceasefire, and expand aid delivery throughout Gaza.
Japan reiterates its unwavering support for the tireless mediation efforts by the US, Egypt and Qatar.
Madam President,
We have also witnessed an alarming escalation in the West Bank.
The heavy civilian fatalities and the massive destruction of civilian infrastructure are deeply concerning.
The General Assembly has recently adopted a resolution, following up on the ICJ Advisory Opinion.
As a country which attaches great importance to the role of the ICJ and the rule of law, Japan voted in favor of the resolution after thorough consideration.
Israel’s settlement activities are in violation of international law.
Japan strongly urges the Government of Israel to completely halt its settlement activities, as the GA resolution demands.
We also condemn the violence by the extreme settlers.
As we all know, the only viable path to resolve this tragic conflict is a two-state solution, where both Israel and a future independent Palestinian state live side-by-side in peace and security.
This requires confidence building and sustainable dialogue between the parties, not hostilities or hatred.
Diplomacy must prevail even in this time of difficulty and darkness.
Japan will continue to play its part to seek a peaceful way out of this decades-long conflict.
Madam President,
Last, but not least, we are compelled to address the extremely dangerous situation in Lebanon.
Japan is strongly concerned about the escalation of tensions between Israel and Hezbollah and deeply saddened by the numerous civilian casualties.
Japan has joined the statement along with the likeminded countries calling for an immediate 21-day ceasefire.
We call on all parties to endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately consistent with Security Council resolution 1701, and to give a real chance for a diplomatic settlement.
Thank you, Madam President.