パレスチナ問題を含む中東情勢に関する安保理ブリーフィングにおける志野大使ステートメント

Thank you, Mr. President,
 
We also thank Special Coordinator Wennesland and OCHA Director Wosornu for their sobering updates.
 
It has been over 7 months of devastation, hostilities and suffering since Hamas’s heinous terror attack. Japan reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of the attack and its call for the immediate release of the hostages.
 
As we meet, the situation on the ground in Rafah is rapidly worsening, due to the continued and intensifying attacks and the destruction of buildings and infrastructure.
 
We are also appalled to hear that more than 800,000 Palestinians have been forcibly re-displaced since the military operation in Rafah began despite the international community’s opposition.
 
Many have fled mostly to Deir al Balah or Khan Younis, overcrowded areas with dire humanitarian conditions and little access to basic necessities as we heard from OCHA briefer.
 
What is more, the closure of the Rafah border crossing has led to a standoff that has prevented desperately needed aid from reaching the population. A full-blown famine has already gripped the north and is now imminent in the south as well.     The crossing must be reopened at once.
 
Japan welcomes that the maritime corridor through the pier built by the United States is now operational, yet this can be no substitute to the humanitarian aid through land-route.
 
We also welcome that the UN mechanism established in accordance with Resolution 2720 began its operations on May 7. We urge all parties, particularly Israel, to continue constructive engagement with Ms. Sigrid Kaag for the acceleration of the delivery of humanitarian relief consignments to Gaza.
 
For our part, Japan contributed to the recent opening of an ICRC field hospital in Rafah to help address overwhelming medical needs. We will continue to do whatever possible to save innocent lives.
 
As the conflict drags on, we have witnessed an increase in the tragic loss of civilian lives, including brave aid workers. We mourn that more than 190 UN staff have now been killed since October 7^th, including an international staff member of UNDSS recently shot in Rafah. UN personnel and humanitarian workers are there to help the population. They must be protected and allowed to safely carry out their duties.


Mr. President,
 
Countless lives, including those of the hostages who remain in captivity, are at stake, and every hour worsens the plight of the people of Gaza.
 
Now is the time to cease attacks and achieve an immediate ceasefire.
 
Japan reiterates its opposition to the Israeli military ground operation in Rafah that involves heavy civilian casualties.
 
We sincerely hope that the parties swiftly return to the negotiations facilitated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to reach a substantive cessation of hostilities that will allow for a massive influx of aid at scale and the release of hostages.
 
I thank you, Mr. President.