パレスチナを含む中東情勢に関する安保理公開討論における山﨑大使ステートメント

Thank you, Mr. President.
 
Three months ago, we welcomed the Gaza ceasefire agreement, with a fragile yet fervent hope—that the nightmare since Hamas’ brutal acts of terror would be over, all the hostages would return home, and the unbearable human suffering would begin to ease.
 
Regrettably, however, that moment of hope was brief.
 
The resumption of hostilities has plunged Gaza once again into a catastrophe. The toll has been staggering—countless lives lost, including innocent civilians and even aid workers. Israel has blocked all forms of humanitarian assistance for more than 50 days. According to the United Nations, this has placed hundreds of thousands of people in imminent danger of severe hunger and malnutrition.
 
This tragedy must end.
 
Japan has repeatedly called on all parties to return to negotiations and restore the ceasefire without delay. All parties must ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian operations and respect international law, including international humanitarian law.
 
Meanwhile, the West Bank is also enduring deepening anguish under extremist settler violence. We urge Israel to take appropriate measures to minimize civilian harm.
 
Mr. President,
 
Even in this darkest of hours, we must not stop working to lay the foundation for a lasting peace.
 
Over the decades, my country has disbursed billions of dollars for Palestine. Since October 7, 2023 alone, our contributions have encompassed approximately USD 230 million in humanitarian assistance. We will continue to help the most vulnerable, not in words alone, but tangibly and meaningfully.
 
And, Japan's support for a two-state solution, where Israel and a future Palestinian state live side by side in peace and security, remains unchanged, as we believe that this is the only viable and sustainable solution.
 
Mr. President,
 
While the situation in Palestine is grave, there are promising signs elsewhere in the Middle East.
 
Syria has been steadily undergoing a transition process. We see the appointment of new Ministers by the Syrian interim authority as a positive step. And, we expect all parties concerned to play a constructive role in promoting an inclusive political settlement through dialogue among the Syrian people.
 
In Lebanon, the cessation of hostilities is largely holding after the ceasefire agreement was reached. Japan fully supports the Government of Lebanon and the work of UNIFIL and UNSCOL, and calls on all parties to work toward achieving long-term peace and stability.
 
Finally, let me briefly address the Iranian nuclear issue—which has far-reaching implications for the region and the wider international community.
 
Japan is deeply concerned about Iran’s nuclear developments.
 
We believe in talks taking place between the United States and Iran and hope for a meaningful breakthrough. All parties should take constructive actions at all levels to advance dialogue toward a peaceful resolution of the nuclear issue.
 
We will continue to play our part drawing upon our longstanding relationship with Iran.
 
I thank you.