Japan-Palestine Relations
Exchange of Views between Foreign Minister MOTEGI and H.E. Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development of Palestine
July 22, 2026
On July 22, local time, during his visit to Manila, the Philippines, to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held an exchange of views with H.E. Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development of Palestine, for approximately 5 minutes on the occasion of the Fifth Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD V).
- Minister MOTEGI welcomed Minister Hamad’s participation in CEAPAD V and emphasized that the meeting represents an important opportunity for Japan and East Asian countries to demonstrate their commitment to supporting Palestinian state-building. Minister MOTEGI also expressed Japan’s concern over the deteriorating situation not only in the Gaza Strip but also in the West Bank, noting from this perspective that Japan had provided emergency humanitarian assistance of USD 1 million in the water and sanitation sector for the West Bank at the end of June.
- In response, Minister Hamad expressed her appreciation for Japan’s assistance to Palestine, including through CEAPAD. She also explained the efforts toward the reconstruction of Gaza, the situation in the West Bank, and the severe fiscal situation facing the Palestinian Authority, and expressed her hope for Japan’s continued support.