パレスチナ問題（議題33）に関する総会本会議における石兼大使ステートメント
令和4年11月30日
Mr. President,
Japan expresses its sincere hope for the realization of Middle East peace at the earliest possible date with an independent Palestinian state and Israel living side by side in peace and security. Japan firmly believes that a truly peaceful resolution can be achieved NOT through violence, but ONLY through dialogue based on mutual trust between the parties in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters.
Japan is deeply concerned about the situation on the ground with a large number of casualties due to violence and clashes in the West Bank. The expansion of Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank including East Jerusalem are in violation of international law and UN resolutions and infringes upon Palestinian human rights. Japan reiterates its call on the Government of Israel to immediately halt settlement activities, which undermine the viability of a two-state solution.
Japan is also closely monitoring recent developments following the reconciliation deal signed in Algeria among Palestinian factions. The holding of legislative and presidential elections in Palestine is a crucial step towards Palestinian unity.
Mr. President,
Japan continues to support the people of Palestine so long as humanitarian and socio-economic challenges remain in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the partnership between the Government of Japan and UNRWA. Japan's assistance for UNRWA began even before Japan became a member of the United Nations, and we believe the continued support to UNRWA is both a humanitarian imperative and vital for regional stability. This year, Japan has provided approximately $30 million in assistance, including emergency grant aid of $8.3 million US dollars through UNRWA in response to the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
Mr. President,
Japan strongly supports the establishment of a future independent and self-sustaining Palestinian state. The "Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD)” launched by Japan in 2013 is part of such efforts to leverage the resources and experience of East Asian countries to support Palestinian economic development.
Lastly, the peace in the Middle East is an historic and important issue for the stability and prosperity of the international community, including Japan. Although we, the international community, are facing many difficult challenges, the voices of the Palestinian people must not be lost and we must continue to give high priority to address the Question of Palestine as one of our core agenda items. Japan, as an incoming member of UN Security Council, is committed to actively engaging and cooperating with the international community to achieve peace in the Middle East Peace.
I thank you, Mr. President.