Arab News Japan
TOKYO: TAMURA Tomoko, Chair of the Japanese Communist Party’s Executive Committee, has condemned Israel’s attack on Hamas officials in Doha, calling it “an act of barbarism that violates Qatar’s sovereignty.”
In remarks published by her Party, Tamura firmly “condemned Israel’s repeated blatant violations of international law.” The Communist lawmaker further criticized Israel’s actions, asserting that “it will only escalate the fighting,” and emphasized the need to strengthen international sanctions “against the Zionist entity.”
Since the Japanese government froze the assets of some four Israeli settlers last July, it has not imposed any sanctions on Israel. Tamura emphasized the need for the Japanese government to immediately impose economic sanctions on Israel, and, along with many other nations, recognize Palestine as a state.
Tamura, a prominent member of her party, described the scenes from Gaza as “heart-wrenching.”
She stated, “Children are being sacrificed, families are being torn apart, homes are being destroyed, and even the tents where people seek refuge are being bombed. What will the Japanese government do to stop this catastrophe?”
In Japan, it is uncommon for a member of Parliament to openly criticize Israel.
Japan has strong economic, business, and diplomatic relations with Israel and does not recognize Palestine. This is based on the official Japanese view that the Palestinians are divided and need to improve their governance and nation-building efforts.
The government of Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru says before recognizing Palestine, it will wait until the Palestinians establish “a successful and viable governing and administrative system.”
AloJapan.com