25 November 2024
Thank you, Madam President.
I also thank Deputy Special Coordinator Hadi on behalf of Mr. Wennesland for his informative updates.
At the outset, Japan reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of the brutal acts of terror by Hamas and others on October 7 last year.
Since then, this Council has had numerous meetings on the Palestine issues, including three within the past week.
Frankly, we are running out of words to explain the agony in Gaza, especially in the north.
Recently, UNRWA Commissioner-General Lazzarini stated Gaza is “a post-apocalyptic environment”, a word that means after the end of the world. A situation like that is truly unthinkable. And then, what next?
We must bring an end to this nightmare.
To do so, an immediate ceasefire and release of all remaining hostages are urgently needed, as the E10 once again called for in its draft resolution last week.
Japan continues to support the diplomatic efforts on the ground to conclude the deal.
Meanwhile, famine is imminent, and so many displaced people are living in makeshift tents as winter approaches. Hospitals are still being attacked and health systems are on the verge of collapse.
Safe and unhindered access for humanitarian relief must be guaranteed. Civilians including aid workers and medical personnel must be protected. More broadly, international law including international humanitarian law must be respected.
Any efforts to intentionally block the delivery of critical life-saving assistance to the civilian population in Gaza is unacceptable.
UNRWA’s role has never been more crucial.
But, the clock is ticking on the implementation of the two laws that would have a devastating impact on UNRWA and those who depend on the Agency. A concerted international effort is imperative to avoid that.
At the same time, UNRWA should continue to take steps to ensure its neutrality.
Madam President,
The Middle East is facing heightened risk of full-scale regional conflict.
In the shadow of Gaza, violence is unfolding in the West Bank.
Daily exchanges of fire continue across the Blue Line. Intense aerial bombardment in Lebanon, including in densely populated areas, has affected millions of innocent civilians.
We renew our call for the full implementation of resolution 1701 and fully support ongoing diplomacy to realize an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.
Madam President,
The peaceful co-existence of Israel and Palestine is the only viable pathway to a safe, stable, and prosperous Middle East.
However, an Israeli minister has recently made a concerning remark on plans for annexation of the West Bank. Such a plan must not be carried out.
We also reject any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that would reduce its territory.
Japan reiterates its unwavering commitment to the vision of a two-state solution and is against any attempt which ruins the prospect for a two-state solution.
In this regard, we stress the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under a revitalized Palestinian Authority, and we offer our steadfast support to the reform of PA, both politically and financially.
I thank you, Madam President.