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山﨑大使ステートメント

 
 Thank you, Madam President.
 
I thank Mr. Rajasingham and Ms. Soeripto for their valuable briefings.
 
We are nearing six months since the conflict in Gaza erupted due to Hamas’s terrifying attacks on Israel. Recent developments only seem to be worsening the situation on the ground.
 
Despite last week’s adoption of Security Council resolution 2728 demanding an immediate ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, hostilities continue unabated.
 
On April 2^nd, we witnessed the killing of 7 World Central Kitchen aid workers by multiple Israeli strikes in Gaza, sparking global outrage. Already more than 220 humanitarian workers lost their lives. Japan extends sincere condolences to the colleagues and the families of the victims. These incidents have forced humanitarian organizations to suspend their operations, which creates catastrophic impact on the lives of people in Gaza, who desperately need life-saving assistance. Attacks on humanitarian workers are absolutely unacceptable.
 
In this vein, Japan urges Israel for necessary measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
 
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is spiraling deeper into catastrophe. People in Gaza face starvation, the spread of preventable diseases, and unimaginable suffering. Famine is there.      Even though many countries, including Japan, have resumed funding for UNRWA, if attacks on humanitarian workers continue, they cannot carry out their work.

This week, we heard from the representative from UNICEF that dozens of children in Northern Gaza have reportedly died from malnutrition and dehydration. We must exert all our efforts into getting aid into Gaza through all possible means, including by land, air and sea. Those in Gaza cannot wait another day.

Japan hopes the recent announcement regarding the opening of the Erez crossing will allow more humanitarian aid to reach people in Gaza.
 
For this catastrophic nightmare to end, Japan urges all concerned parties to achieve an immediate ceasefire, the imperative to improve the humanitarian situation, without further delay in accordance with the Security Council resolution 2728. We must save the lives of civilians, including innocent children, by silencing the guns, expediting humanitarian deliveries into Gaza, and working towards the release of hostages.
 
Lastly, we remain strongly supportive of the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to this end. We will continue to play our part in achieving peace and stability in the Middle East.
 
Thank you.