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, Mr. President.
 
I also thank Senior Coordinator, Ms. Sigrid Kaag for her valuable update.
 
The current situation in Gaza, which began 200 days ago with the brutal terror attacks by Hamas and other groups, has led to unprecedented destruction and a humanitarian catastrophe.
 
Around half of Gaza's population, approximately 1.1 million people, are at risk of entering the most severe stage of famine. There is an acute shortage of basic necessities, including safe water, food, shelter and medicine. The gravity of the crisis in Gaza cannot be stressed enough.
 
In light of the extreme challenge, we highly respect Ms. Kaag's tireless efforts to streamline and expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza by proposing a UN mechanism in line with resolution 2720.  We fully support the role of UNOPS in this regard.
 
Japan underscores the urgent need to enhance the flow of humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza. We call on Israel to reopen land crossings, particularly the Karni crossing, to ensure the steady flow of aid.
 
The land routes and more entry points into Gaza are vital, with no viable alternative. We also support the activation of a maritime corridor to ensure that aid reaches those in need. Japan also echoes with the support of the voices for more protection of the humanitarian aid workers.
 
Mr. President,
 
 UNRWA plays a central role in Gaza's desperately needed humanitarian operations, and there is no substitute for its essential functions.
 
In this regard, we welcome the final report and recommendations of the Independent Review Group and hope UNRWA will steadily implement these recommendations. Japan has resumed its funding to UNRWA since April 2, and has already disbursed approximately USD 35 million since then. Also, our first in-kind contributions to UNRWA since the resumption will be handed over in early May in Egypt.
 
Lastly, the Security Council last month adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. However, this has not been achieved, and the humanitarian crisis remains dire. A ceasefire is a critical component for improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza while laying the ground for future reconstruction efforts. Thus, Japan expresses our strong support for the serious diplomatic efforts to bring about a cessation of hostilities and the release of the hostages, made by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, and we appreciate their tireless efforts. We reiterate our strong appeal to all parties concerned to reach a deal without delay.
 
I thank you.