Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on “The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question”

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July 2, 2024

Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator, Ms. Sigrid Kaag for her detailed updates describing “human misery”, as she said, impacting negatively to even the future generation, with valuable observation and call for urgent action.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic with no end in sight.

As hostilities continue, Palestinians are experiencing repeated displacement, starvation, and little to no access to essential goods and services.

Every passing day of the conflict only brings more causalities, devastation, trauma, and destruction.

We must do all we can to meet the dire needs of those suffering in Gaza.

In this regard, Japan welcomes the full operationalization of the UN 2720 Mechanism dedicated to accelerating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

While Israel’s military operation continues, we are relieved to hear of the progress in the coordination and management of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

We highly value Ms. Kaag and her team’s extensive and tireless engagement with the parties and relevant stakeholders, including the Government of Israel.

We also commend the close cooperation by regional countries including Cyprus, Egypt, and Jordan, as well as the US, to expand the scale of aid delivery through maximizing access routes, including the maritime and additional land corridors.

At the same time, we have listened carefully to the words of Ms. Kaag describing many persisting challenges she and her team are facing, such as insecurity and a lack of deconfliction mechanisms across Gaza and the continued closure of the Rafah crossing.

Japan offers its full support to the endeavor of Ms. Kaag and the 2720 Mechanism and stands ready to work with fellow Council members to effectively implement the mandate of the mechanism and address the remaining obstacles to humanitarian assistance.

Given the vast scale and scope of the needs in Gaza, the work of the UN, including UNRWA, the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza, plays a crucial part in alleviating the suffering of the people and thus requires further financial support and other resources.

For its part, since October last year, Japan has provided humanitarian aid worth more than 120 million US dollars in sectors such as food, WASH, health and medical care through a number of international organizations, as well as through Japanese NGOs.

We have also made extensive in-kind contributions of blankets, jerry cans, plastic sheets and sleeping mats to UNRWA and other aid organizations.

We will continue to provide necessary assistance and encourage others to provide further support as well.

Mr. President,

Ultimately, however, what is needed more than ever is the implementation of Security Council resolution 2735, which can pave the way for the release of hostages and an immediate ceasefire, leading to the safe and unimpeded distribution of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.

Japan strongly urges Hamas to work in good faith based on resolution 2735 without further delay.

Lastly, we would like to stress that international law must be respected by all parties at all times.

In particular, civilians must be protected, and the safety of the UN and other humanitarian workers and premises must be ensured.

We must continue to play our part in saving the lives of the innocent and work towards bringing peace and stability to the region.

I thank you.

 

 

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