Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”

Thank you, Madam President.
 
There is a long-awaited window for peace in some parts of the Middle East.
 
In Syria, the first parliamentary election took place since the fall of the Assad regime.
 
In Lebanon, the Government is on the path to regaining sovereignty over its whole territory through the Lebanese Armed Forces.
 
And in Gaza, finally, a ceasefire is in place, and all living hostages have been reunited with their loved ones.
 
Japan welcomes the first-phase agreement achieved under the leadership of President Trump.    
 
We also appreciate the tireless efforts of the mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, whose perseverance made this breakthrough possible.
 
Yet the situation is fragile.
 
The return of the bodies of deceased hostages has been delayed, and the parties exchanged fires causing fatalities earlier this week.
 
We strongly urge both parties to refrain from further fighting.
 
Since the brutal acts of terror by Hamas on October 7 two years ago, we have witnessed bottomless suffering and sorrow.
 
Twice before, ceasefire agreements were broken—each time unleashing new waves of death, destruction, and despair.
 
We must not allow this nightmare to resume.
 
Japan reiterates its call on all sides to fully implement President Trump’s comprehensive plan: sustaining the ceasefire, returning the bodies of all deceased hostages, disarmament of Hamas, and full-scale humanitarian assistance.
 
In this regard, the role of the UN and its agencies, including UNRWA, is indispensable.
 
Madam President,
 
Now is the time to restore dignity to the people of Gaza.
 
To rebuild their homes, their schools, and their well-being.
 
To give back to the children of Gaza, the safety, the health, and the education they deserve.
 
Japan will continue to stand at the forefront of international efforts to improve the humanitarian situation and to advance the early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.
 
We are ready to actively contribute to the implementation of the 20-point Gaza Peace Plan.
 
Madam President,
 
The ultimate goal remains a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine co-exist side by side in peace and stability.
 
We strongly oppose the expansion of settlements and any annexation in the West Bank.
 
Such actions erode the foundation of peace and must cease immediately.
 
Japan remains steadfast in supporting state-building for Palestine.
 
Without dedicated and ethical public servants, no nation can truly function.
 
This is why, for over 27 years, Japan has trained more than 7,000 Palestinian officials, nurturing a new generation committed to integrity.
 
Strengthening the financial foundation is equally essential.
 
Together with many partners, Japan has joined the Emergency Coalition for the Financial Sustainably of the Palestinian Authority.
 
We will do our part to preserve the PA’s ability to provide essential services.
 
To conclude, let us ensure that the current ceasefire becomes not a pause before another tragedy, but the first chapter of a new future—one built on hope and humanity.
 
I thank you.