ガザ情勢に関する安保理決議案採決後の山﨑大使による投票理由説明（EOV）

 
Thank you, Madam President.
 
It has been over 4 months of devastation, hostilities and suffering since Hamas’s horrifying acts of terror against Israel. We are witnessing an alarming escalation of violence and an unimaginable humanitarian catastrophe. The situation on the ground is only worsening as each day goes by. Particularly, the situation in Rafah is deeply concerning.
 
Japan appreciates the ongoing tireless diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. and other countries towards the release of hostages, improving the humanitarian situation, and calming down the situation as soon as possible.
 
Japan believes that a humanitarian ceasefire needs to be realized promptly in such a way to ensure a conducive environment for sufficient humanitarian assistance activities as well as to lead to the release of the remaining hostages, therefore resulting in the realization of a sustainable ceasefire. Based on this position, we call on all the parties concerned to act immediately from a humanitarian viewpoint.
 
In this vein, Japan voted in favor of this draft resolution.        
 
We would like to express our gratitude to Algeria for their efforts to coordinate various positions among the Council members. At the same time, in efforts to ensure a more fair and balanced text, the resolution should have included a condemnation of Hamas’s terrorist attacks, which the Security Council has so far failed to speak out.
 
Though we couldn't agree on a resolution which all the Council members can support, we are all engaging seriously to stop the violence. This Council should be a place to explore and find the peace and security jointly, not a place to aim for finger pointing. Japan will continue to work constructively with other Council members to find a path forward for peace and stability in the region.
 
Thank you.