Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Japan is placing significant importance on the upcoming United Nations conference on Palestine, as highlighted by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi in a press conference on Tuesday. When questioned about his and Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru’s potential attendance, Iwaya underscored the nation’s commitment to engaging in this crucial dialogue.
“As of now, nothing has been finalized. Given the importance of this meeting, a commitment from the Japanese government is crucial,” Iwaya emphasized, leaving the decision open-ended.
The Japanese Foreign Minister reiterated the call for Hamas to be disarmed. In response to a question from Arab News Japan regarding how Hamas could be disarmed and whether Israel—which has been accused of committing a genocide against the Palestinians and bombing Syria and Lebanon without provocation—should also be disarmed, Iwaya reaffirmed the Japanese government’s stance on the issue.
“Hamas committed a terror attack in Israel and we condemned it,” he stated. “I would like to reiterate our position: Our country consistently supports the need for Israel and a future independent Palestinian state to coexist peacefully and securely, adhering to the two-state solution. There has been no change in this stance.”
Iwaya continued to reference the “New York Declaration” from the high-level international conference in July, which aimed to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution.
“This declaration highlights the urgent need for a ceasefire and prompt humanitarian assistance. It also calls for Hamas to relinquish its control over Gaza and disarm to pave the way for a future Palestinian state,” Iwaya stated. “We strongly urge all parties involved, including Hamas and Israel, to genuinely work towards achieving a ceasefire and the swift release of hostages.”
AloJapan.com