パレスチナを含む中東情勢に関する安保理緊急会合における山﨑大使ステートメント

 
Thank you, Mr. President.
 
I thank USG Griffiths and ASG Brands Kehris for their valuable briefings.
 
Mr. President, 
 
Three months have passed since the heinous acts of terror were committed by Hamas and other militant groups. Since then, Gaza has been under heavy bombardments and relentless shelling, marking Gaza as one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes witnessed today.
 
The extent of the suffering in Gaza is unimaginable. At least 23,000 Palestinians have been reportedly killed in Gaza, including a heartbreaking loss of over 10,000 children. Over 85% of the population across the Gaza Strip have been displaced.

Critical civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, and UN shelters, have not been spared from attacks. Famine is imminent and those internally displaced are at a high risk of communicable diseases due to extremely poor living conditions. Humanity is in crisis.
 
The international community must continue to work with a greater sense of urgency towards alleviating the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. We fully support the recently appointed UN Senior Coordinator, Ms. Sigrid Kaag and her staff to this end.
 
While the Security Council adopted Resolutions 2712 and 2720, regrettably, their effective implementation remains elusive due to the ongoing heavy fighting.
 
As violent regional spillover is already happening, what is most urgent is the de-escalation of the conflict. In this regard, our position is clear as shown in our voting positions in relevant resolutions, including the UNGA resolution adopted on December 12th last year. We would also like to emphasize once again that hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups must be released immediately and unconditionally to create better conditions toward easing tensions.

Mr. President,
 
Japan is concerned about the recent inflammatory rhetoric by Israeli ministers on the “resettlement” of Palestinians outside of the Gaza Strip. Any attempt to forcibly displace the Palestinian people is inconsistent with relevant Security Council resolutions, and in violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law. We reject any such forced displacement.
 
We also stress the need to create conditions to enable displaced Palestinians in Gaza to return safely to their homes. In this regard, we note recent reports that Israel has agreed to allow the UN to carry out an assessment mission in northern Gaza. We should create a conducive environment where residents can return safely to their homes.
 
In conclusion, Japan will continue to exert its utmost efforts to contribute to the de-escalation of this conflict within and beyond Gaza.
 
A two-state solution remains the only viable path for both Israel and a future independent Palestinian state, which must include the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, to live side by side in mutual peace and security.
 
I thank you, Mr. President.