August 29, 2024
Thank you, Mr. President.
First of all, I thank the United Kingdom and Switzerland for proposing this timely meeting, and also express gratitude to Acting USG Msuya and Deputy Director General of WHO Dr. Ryan for their sobering updates.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is beyond description. Repeated evacuation orders have left Palestinians crammed into unlivable conditions, deprived of basic essentials and dignity. The so-called “safe zones” are nothing of the sort.
Humanitarian aid workers and United Nations personnel must be protected at all times. We need to stress this point, especially when we see vaccination operations are starting. Yet, they are being exposed to intolerable risks. It is totally unacceptable that UN aid vehicles in Gaza continue to be fired upon.
Japan deplores that a WFP vehicle carrying humanitarian cargo to central Gaza was struck by gunfire earlier this week. This incident has led to the suspension of WFP’s vital operations. Clearly, deconfliction mechanisms are still woefully insufficient.
We are also deeply concerned that the IDF recently gave just a few hours’ notice to more than 200 UN personnel to move out of Deir Al Balah. This has impaired a crucial humanitarian hub at a critical juncture.
Mr. President,
Japan welcomes the news today of an agreement to a series of short-term pauses in fighting to allow for the vaccination of Gaza’s population against polio. All actors must work towards securing the safe and timely delivery of vaccines, especially to children.
Yet the start of vaccination does not change the fact that an immediate and permanent ceasefire and massive humanitarian aid is absolutely necessary. We strongly support the joint statement by the leaders of the United States, Egypt and Qatar issued earlier this month and the diplomatic efforts made by these three countries.
We call on all parties, especially Hamas, to finally conclude a deal in line with Security Council resolution 2735. Failure to achieve one will prolong the agony of the people of Gaza as well as the hostages.
It also risks furthering instability, as seen by the Israeli operation in the West Bank that began on Wednesday and the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah across the Blue Line over the weekend. We urge all parties, especially those in the region, to exercise maximum restraint.
Again, we reiterate that a ceasefire must happen now to achieve the release of hostages, the delivery of humanitarian aid at scale, and the calming down of the situation in Gaza and beyond.
I thank you, Mr. President.