パレスチナ問題の平和的解決及び二国家解決の実現のためのハイレベル国際会議における岩屋大臣ステートメント

At the outset, I wish to express my profound respect and sincere appreciation to France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their leadership in convening this high-level conference.
 
Together with Norway, we have had the honor of serving as co-chair of the Working Group on the Economic Viability of Palestine, engaging in sincere and constructive discussions with UN member states and international organizations.
 
Urgent action is required to address the fiscal challenges facing the Palestinian Authority (PA): sustained support for the PA, concerted engagement by the international community with Israel, and reforms undertaken by the PA itself.
 
Yet today, the situation has reached an extremely grave and alarming juncture that threatens to erode the very foundations of a two-state solution.
 
The sharp deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the expansion of settlement activities in the West Bank, and steps toward annexation are completely unacceptable. Japan strongly condemns these actions and calls on Israel to immediately cease all such unilateral measures.
 
At the same time, Hamas must release all hostages and disarm.
 
Japan has consistently supported a two-state solution. For my country, the issue of recognizing a Palestinian state is not a matter of “if”, but of “when.”
 
While carefully monitoring developments in the region, Japan will continue its comprehensive deliberations with even greater seriousness.
 
Should Israel take further actions that block the path to the realization of a two-state solution, Japan will be compelled to introduce new measures in response.
 
Finally, Japan fully supports the aspirations of the Palestinian people to establish their own independent state.
 
Together with all of you gathered here today, Japan remains firmly committed to pursuing the diplomatic efforts for ensuring peace and stability in the Middle East.
 
Thank you for your attention.