Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing Agenda item “the Situation in the Middle East”

 
Thank you, Madam President.
 
First of all, let me express our gratitude to Slovenia for their successful Presidency in September, and congratulate Madam President on your assumption of the Presidency for October, and we express our full support to your Presidency.
 
I would also like to thank Secretary-General Guterres for his sobering and important briefing today.
 
Since last October, the world has witnessed an unconscionable spiral of violence in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and beyond.
 
The recent developments in Lebanon are particularly worrying.    
 
We are seriously concerned about the ground operation conducted by the Israel Defense Forces in Lebanon.  
 
We cannot tolerate any further escalation.
 
In this vein, Japan once again calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
 
All parties need to demonstrate their recommitment to the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, including resolution 1701.
 
Japan pays respect to the UN staff and personnel on the ground devoting their high cause under the severe circumstances. Their security must be ensured.
 
Now, we are seeing the growing needs of the civilians in Lebanon, who are facing the onset of a displacement crisis.      
 
Thus, Japan reiterates its call on all parties to immediately take all measures to prevent any further civilian casualties and adhere to international law, including international humanitarian law, to prioritize the protection of civilians and to ensure humanitarian access.
 
Madam President,
 
The escalation in Lebanon will drag the Middle East into a wider conflict, as was seen yesterday.
 
Japan is deeply concerned about the attacks conducted by Iran using ballistic missiles against Israel.
 
These attacks further deteriorate the current situation in the Middle East.
 
We strongly condemn such an escalation.
 
Secretary-General issued a statement that condemned the broadening of the Middle East conflict, and we reiterate his call for an immediate ceasefire.
 
In April, when this Council was convened following Iran’s large-scale attack against Israel, many of us stated that it constitutes an unprecedented development.
 
However, we have seen what was unprecedented occurring twice within the last six months.
 
This clearly shows that the Middle East is following a dangerous path that could lead to a catastrophe.
 
We must not let this happen.
 
In this regard, Japan amplifies our call to all parties to exercise maximum restraint, work towards de-escalation, protect civilians, and work through dialogue and diplomacy towards peace.
 
Neither the region nor the world can afford any more conflicts.
 
Thank you, Madam President.