パレスチナ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山﨑大使ステートメント

Thank you, Madam President.
 
I also thank USG Griffith for his briefing.
 
Madam President,
 
Last Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered its Order on the provisional measures regarding the application of the Genocide Convention in the Gaza Strip. Without a final determination on whether Israel is in violation of the Genocide Convention for the present time, the ICJ ordered, inter aria, that Israel shall take measures to prevent genocide and its incitement, and to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance. The order on the provisional measures of the ICJ, the principal international judicial organ of the United Nations, is legally binding on the parties to the dispute, therefore it is to be observed in good faith.
 
What matters most is whether we can make a difference on the ground by seizing every momentum. Japan has been continuing its sincere diplomatic efforts to improve the current catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. We need to continue to address various challenges on the ground in a holistic manner.
 
The ICJ also emphasizes that all the parties to the conflict in the Gaza Strip are bound by international humanitarian law, and that the Court is gravely concerned about the fate of the hostages taken by Hamas and others, calling for their immediate and unconditional release. Japan loudly echoes this point, and once again unequivocally condemns the barbaric acts of terror by Hamas and others. We also urge Israel to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, in exercising its right to defend itself and its people.
 
Madam President,
 
One year ago, in January 2023, Japan convened an open debate on the rule of law as President of the Security Council for the month. The essence of the rule of law is that no one is above the law, therefore everyone must comply with the law. This is one of the core universal principles of the international community, and international peace and security can never be maintained without the observance of international law in good faith.   This includes respecting the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions, international humanitarian law, and obviously, orders and judgements of the ICJ.  
 
In this regard, it is deeply regrettable that not all rulings of international courts have been respected by some countries. To achieve peace based on the rule of law, every country must abide by international law, and sincerely observe decisions of international courts, whether one likes them or not. Our commitment to the rule of law, as well as our support for the role of the ICJ, are unwavering.
 
Madam President,
 
Together with the two recent Security Council resolutions (2712 and 2720 (2023)), Japan urges all parties to comply with international law, thereby de-escalating the situation towards a possible ceasefire, which could pave the way for a lasting peace.
Despite the seeming hopelessness of the current moment, we firmly believe that a two-state solution where Israel and a future independent Palestinian state live side by side in peace and dignity remains the only viable path for both peoples. Japan will continue to spare no effort to help realize this goal.
 
Lastly, I need to touch upon one of the biggest challenges of the moment concerning humanitarian situation in Gaza. Japan is extremely concerned about the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff members in the terror attack on Israel on October 7 last year. We are cognizant that many UNRWA staff members have been dedicated to providing essential humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and more than 150 staff sacrificed themselves. Japan strongly urges the UN and the UNRWA to conduct an investigation in a prompt and complete manner and to take appropriate measures, including strengthening governance within the UNRWA, so that the UNRWA can firmly fulfill the role it should play.
 
I thank you.