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.
 
I thank USG DiCarlo for her briefing.
 
We meet here at a critical moment for the Middle East.
 
We are extremely concerned and alarmed that the region is closer than ever to a large-scale conflict that would be difficult to contain.
 
The events of the past few days which have led to this meeting today, have shown how fragile the situation is.
 
Japan strongly condemns the reported rocket attack on July 27 that killed 12 children and youth and wounded many others in the Golan Heights. 
 
The targeting of innocent civilians is absolutely unacceptable.
 
We are aware of the announcement by the government of Israel about their air strike in Beirut yesterday, as well as the news of the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh last night.
 
Japan is closely following the event with grave concern and strongly urges all parties to de-escalate the situation.
 
We fear the region is at the brink of all-out war.
 
The international community should make all diplomatic efforts to avert this, and Japan stands ready to do so in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders.
 
Let us not forget that the conflict began with the heinous October 7 attack on Israel and the taking of hostages by Hamas and other groups.
 
The ensuing hostilities in Gaza have caused unimaginable suffering for Palestinians, reportedly killing nearly 40,000, injuring tens of thousands more, displacing millions in multiple times, and destroying much of the Strip.
 
The fighting has reverberated across the region, from the West Bank to Lebanon to Yemen to Syria to Iran.
 
Japan reiterates its strong support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza that can allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid at scale and the release of the hostages.
 
This is also essential to prevent a wider conflict that would only inflict more bloodshed and devastation in the Middle East.
 
The future of the entire region and beyond is at stake.
 
I thank you, Mr. President.