Japan-Palestine Relations
Japan-Palestine Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
November 3, 2023
On November 3, commencing at 0:45 p.m. local time (7:45 p.m. JST) for approximately 50 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs, during her visit to Palestine, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Riad Malki, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Kamikawa stated that she is paying close attention to the situation in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, with deep concern. She expressed her sincerest condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and her sympathy to the injured in the Gaza Strip. In response, Minister Malki stated that the people in the Gaza Strip are facing a serious humanitarian situation and that the tension and violence in the West Bank is also increasing.
- Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan has unequivocally condemned the terror attacks by Hamas and others, and that Japan has consistently called for (1) an immediate release of hostages and securing safety of civilians, (2) all the parties to act in accordance with international law and (3) calming down the situation as soon as possible. In addition Minister Kamikawa stated that given the very serious humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, especially, the fact that children with a future, women and elderly people are victimized, it is our priority to deliver necessary assistance to each individual in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, and therefore Japan is prepared to provide humanitarian aid amounting to around USD 65 million and relief supplies through JICA for Palestine for the time being, in addition to the already-decided Emergency Grant Aid worth USD 10 million. In response, Minister Malki expressed his gratitude to Japan’s assistance for Palestine and stated that the Palestinian Authority will cooperate with Japan for ensuring humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip. Minister Kamikawa asked for support to secure the safety of Japanese nationals and the two ministers confirmed to cooperate to work together.
- Furthermore, Minister Kamikawa once again conveyed that Japan’s position to support a two-state solution remains unchanged, and Minister Kamikawa affirmed to cooperate toward its realization.
- The two Ministers concurred on maintaining close cooperation in order to ensure the safety of civilians and to prevent further escalation of the situation.