Statement by Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the cessation of violence in the Gaza Strip

June 19, 2008

The Government of Japan welcomes the realization of the agreed cessation of violence in the Gaza Strip, beginning from 19 June, and urges all the parties concerned to abide by the agreement and to refrain from all forms of violence. Also, the Government of Japan highly appreciates the mediation efforts of the Government of Egypt.
The Government of Japan has been concerned about the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip and the southern part of Israel, and the dire humanitarian situation. Japan hopes that the cessation of violence will lead to improvement of the situation.

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