Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the Situation in the Gaza Strip

January 8, 2009

The Government of Japan highly appreciates the mediation efforts by Egypt, France and other parties for a ceasefire. Japan also welcomes positive developments for a ceasefire in and around the Gaza Strip such as a limited-hour truce to allow humanitarian aid, which was decided by Israel simultanously with the efforts mentined above.
On the other hand, Japan deplores the increasing number of civilian casualties, including those caused by the Israeli attack on UNRWA schools in the Gaza Strip.
Japan strongly urges both Israel and Palestinian militants to seriously respond to the mediation effors by the relevant parties and achieve an immediate ceasefire in order to prevent further civilian casualties. Japan strongly hopes that the current positive developments will lead to a durable ceasefire as soon as possible.
Japan will continue its efforts to calm down the situation through such means as discussion in the Security Council, its emergency humanitarian assistance of around 10 million US dollars for the Gaza Strip, and close consultations for a ceasefire with relevant parties.

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