中東和平に関する第10回緊急特別総会再開会合における山中大使ステートメント
令和5年12月20日
(As delivered)
Mr. President,
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated to an unprecedented level. The fact that the Emergency Special Session has been convened again within just two months underscores this stark reality.
In light of the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Japan voted in favor of the GA resolution, which gained a majority of the voices of the international community with 153 votes in favor.
The unimaginable death toll, rampant displacement, a collapsed healthcare system, and now mass starvation, which have all happened within such a short period of time, demonstrate the gravity of this crisis. In this regard, Japan takes seriously the Secretary-General’s invocation of Article 99 of the UN Charter urging the members of the Security Council to appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire.
Although it is regrettable that the Security Council has not been able to take sufficient action, serious diplomatic efforts are underway to make a tangible difference in improving the humanitarian situation on the ground.
In fact, the diplomatic efforts led by the countries concerned including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt achieved the welcome week-long pause we saw at the end of November, which resulted in the release of some hostages and the entry of vital humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, since this pause broke down, there has been a new round of death, displacement, and destruction. It is evident that immensely more aid needs to be delivered through all available routes to and throughout Gaza. Moreover, reiterating our condemnation of the terror attack on 7 October, Japan again calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas and others.
Mr. President,
As UNRWA Commissioner General Lazzarini said in his letter to the President of the General Assembly dated 7 December, the Agency is at the darkest hour in its 75-year history. More than 130 of its staff have been killed in bombardments, most with their families. Japan expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the victims and injured and offers its condolences to the bereaved families.
All parties to the conflict must comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, to protect civilians, UN personnel, and humanitarian workers.
As a responsible member of the Security Council, Japan will continue to work constructively with other Council members to foster a unified voice that addresses the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Resolution 2712 is a crucial first step, but it is not enough.
In Gaza, gunfire and bombardment continue even now. They must stop immediately for a period that allows for meaningful humanitarian operations for those who are suffering this humanitarian catastrophe.
Ultimately, a two-state solution where Israel and an independent Palestinian state living side by side in peaceful coexistence and security remains the only viable solution. But for now, the international community must prioritize an end to the suffering and save the lives of the innocent.
I thank you, Mr. President.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated to an unprecedented level. The fact that the Emergency Special Session has been convened again within just two months underscores this stark reality.
In light of the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Japan voted in favor of the GA resolution, which gained a majority of the voices of the international community with 153 votes in favor.
The unimaginable death toll, rampant displacement, a collapsed healthcare system, and now mass starvation, which have all happened within such a short period of time, demonstrate the gravity of this crisis. In this regard, Japan takes seriously the Secretary-General’s invocation of Article 99 of the UN Charter urging the members of the Security Council to appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire.
Although it is regrettable that the Security Council has not been able to take sufficient action, serious diplomatic efforts are underway to make a tangible difference in improving the humanitarian situation on the ground.
In fact, the diplomatic efforts led by the countries concerned including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt achieved the welcome week-long pause we saw at the end of November, which resulted in the release of some hostages and the entry of vital humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, since this pause broke down, there has been a new round of death, displacement, and destruction. It is evident that immensely more aid needs to be delivered through all available routes to and throughout Gaza. Moreover, reiterating our condemnation of the terror attack on 7 October, Japan again calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas and others.
Mr. President,
As UNRWA Commissioner General Lazzarini said in his letter to the President of the General Assembly dated 7 December, the Agency is at the darkest hour in its 75-year history. More than 130 of its staff have been killed in bombardments, most with their families. Japan expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the victims and injured and offers its condolences to the bereaved families.
All parties to the conflict must comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, to protect civilians, UN personnel, and humanitarian workers.
As a responsible member of the Security Council, Japan will continue to work constructively with other Council members to foster a unified voice that addresses the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Resolution 2712 is a crucial first step, but it is not enough.
In Gaza, gunfire and bombardment continue even now. They must stop immediately for a period that allows for meaningful humanitarian operations for those who are suffering this humanitarian catastrophe.
Ultimately, a two-state solution where Israel and an independent Palestinian state living side by side in peaceful coexistence and security remains the only viable solution. But for now, the international community must prioritize an end to the suffering and save the lives of the innocent.
I thank you, Mr. President.