Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Plenary meeting of the General Assembly, Agenda item 64: Use of the Veto, “the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”
2025/10/1
(As delivered)
Thank you, Madam President.
This month marks yet another painful milestone: two years since October 7th—the day when Hamas and other militant groups brutally killed more than a thousand Israelis and took over two hundred hostages.
Japan once again firmly condemns these heinous acts of terror.
The taking of civilians as hostages and their inhumane treatment are completely unacceptable. Hamas must immediately release all the remaining hostages.
Yet these two years have also been a time of unspeakable tragedy for the Palestinians in Gaza. Tens of thousands of innocent people have been killed, wounded, displaced, and left to endure an ever-deepening humanitarian catastrophe, even famine.
Israel has intensified its ground operations in Gaza City, claiming yet more lives and exacerbating an already catastrophic situation.
As both our Prime Minister and Foreign Minister clearly stated in this very hall last week, Japan strongly condemns these actions.
We call on Israel to immediately cease its military operation and all unilateral measures.
What is urgently required is an immediate ceasefire; the release of hostages; and the unhindered, large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid across Gaza.
It is regrettable that the Security Council has thus far failed to act decisively to achieve these goals. A veto must not become “business as usual.” Reform of the Security Council is crucial for the Council to regain the trust of the Member States and the international community.
Madam President,
On September 29, President Trump announced a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. Japan highly welcomes his leadership and efforts to achieve peace. This is a significant step toward a two-state solution including a ceasefire, improving the humanitarian situation, and releasing hostages.
We expect all parties concerned to proceed in accordance with this plan. Hamas must accept the proposal. Should an agreement be reached, we urge Israel to implement it in good faith.
Meanwhile, Japan remains committed to safeguarding the lives and dignity of the people of Gaza. In this regard, my country has most recently contributed over USD 3 million to WFP and USD 6 million to WHO, respectively, for urgent food and medical assistance—adding to the more than USD 230 million in humanitarian aid we have provided over the past two years.
Madam President,
Peace in the region is not born out of war or nourished by hatred. It can only be achieved through a just and lasting two-state solution—where Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace, security, and mutual dignity.
Together with partners, Japan will continue to pursue diplomatic efforts to make this vision a reality.
I thank you.
This month marks yet another painful milestone: two years since October 7th—the day when Hamas and other militant groups brutally killed more than a thousand Israelis and took over two hundred hostages.
Japan once again firmly condemns these heinous acts of terror.
The taking of civilians as hostages and their inhumane treatment are completely unacceptable. Hamas must immediately release all the remaining hostages.
Yet these two years have also been a time of unspeakable tragedy for the Palestinians in Gaza. Tens of thousands of innocent people have been killed, wounded, displaced, and left to endure an ever-deepening humanitarian catastrophe, even famine.
Israel has intensified its ground operations in Gaza City, claiming yet more lives and exacerbating an already catastrophic situation.
As both our Prime Minister and Foreign Minister clearly stated in this very hall last week, Japan strongly condemns these actions.
We call on Israel to immediately cease its military operation and all unilateral measures.
What is urgently required is an immediate ceasefire; the release of hostages; and the unhindered, large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid across Gaza.
It is regrettable that the Security Council has thus far failed to act decisively to achieve these goals. A veto must not become “business as usual.” Reform of the Security Council is crucial for the Council to regain the trust of the Member States and the international community.
Madam President,
On September 29, President Trump announced a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. Japan highly welcomes his leadership and efforts to achieve peace. This is a significant step toward a two-state solution including a ceasefire, improving the humanitarian situation, and releasing hostages.
We expect all parties concerned to proceed in accordance with this plan. Hamas must accept the proposal. Should an agreement be reached, we urge Israel to implement it in good faith.
Meanwhile, Japan remains committed to safeguarding the lives and dignity of the people of Gaza. In this regard, my country has most recently contributed over USD 3 million to WFP and USD 6 million to WHO, respectively, for urgent food and medical assistance—adding to the more than USD 230 million in humanitarian aid we have provided over the past two years.
Madam President,
Peace in the region is not born out of war or nourished by hatred. It can only be achieved through a just and lasting two-state solution—where Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace, security, and mutual dignity.
Together with partners, Japan will continue to pursue diplomatic efforts to make this vision a reality.
I thank you.