Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs:I have two announcements at the outset.

First, Japan will extend Emergency Humanitarian Assistance in the amount of 10 million US dollars to civilians of the Gaza Strip, in response to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, through international organizations.

Japan once again unequivocally condemns the recent terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants. We will continue our diplomatic efforts towards improving humanitarian access to ensure that necessary assistance, including food, water, medical care, and insurance, is delivered to innocent civilians and Palestinian refugees.

We will continue to pay close attention to the situation on the ground with deep concern. We will also make active efforts, including engaging the parties concerned to calm down the situation as soon as possible and improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, while coordinating with various countries and international organizations. In addition, we will provide necessary assistance in response to the needs on the ground.

Minister Kamikawa:Second, in response to devastating damages caused by the intermittent earthquakes that struck Western Afghanistan since October 7, the Government of Japan decided, as the Cabinet, to extend Emergency Grant Aid of USD 3 million through international organizations in areas of food, health and other needs.

In addition to this assistance, Japan will provide assistance of approximately USD 1.46 million to be implemented as Japan’s ODA via the Japan Platform (JPF).

The Government of Japan will continue to stand by the people of Afghanistan and continue its efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, while rapidly implementing these assistances.

That is all from me.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama:As you announced earlier, Japan will extend Emergency humanitarian assistance of 10 million US dollars to the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Concerning the situation in the Gaza Strip, Israel’s ground invasion seems likely to begin, and tensions are escalating. The United Nations has strongly criticized Israel’s preparations for a ground invasion. Is Japan not going to urge Israel to refrain from a ground invasion or condemn it in strong terms?

Minister Kamikawa:In the Gaza Strip and neighboring regions, there have already been numerous deaths and injuries. Tensions are heightening rapidly and the situation remains totally unpredictable. The Government of Japan is paying close attention to the situation with deep concern.

Based on the situation, Japan has actively made diplomatic efforts towards calming down the situation as soon as possible, securing the safety of civilians, and improving the humanitarian situation. I held a telephone talk with Ministers of Israel, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Qatar, as well as telephone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Malki of Palestine on October 13. I also held a telephone talk with Foreign Minister Faisal of Saudi Arabia. In addition, final arrangements are also being made for a telephone talk with the foreign minister of Iran today.

Regarding the relations with Israel, I expressed Japan’s hope that the situation will be calmed down as soon as possible during a telephone talk with Foreign Minister Cohen of Israel.

Additionally, on October 16, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuji held a talk with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel. State Minister Tsuji requested cooperation to ensure humanitarian access so that necessary assistance will be delivered to civilians.

Furthermore, Japan will dispatch Mr. UEMURA Tsukasa, Representative of the Government of Japan and Special Envoy for the Middle East Peace to Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar from tonight, as part of such diplomatic efforts. He will discuss the situation with their government officials and others, and through such discussions, Japan will, as quickly as possible, consider the concrete measures we should be taking.

In light of the constantly changing situation on the ground, Japan will continue to maintain close communication with the countries concerned and take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese people in Israel and the Gaza Strip. At the same time, we will continue our diplomatic efforts to calm down the situation as soon as possible and improve the humanitarian situation.

Kyodo News, Katsurada:I have a follow-up question. Let’s say that the Israeli military launches a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. Even then, will the Government of Japan continue to condemn the terror attacks by Hamas and state that it is obvious that Israel has a right to defend itself and its people in accordance with international law?

Minister Kamikawa:First of all, I would like to refrain from answering a hypothetical question about a ground invasion.

That being said, Japan has been unequivocally condemning the recent terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants. On this basis, Japan has been consistently sending out the message that it is critical, first, that the numerous civilians being held hostage are released as soon as possible and the safety of civilians is ensured; second, that all parties take actions in accordance with international law; and third, that the situation calms down as soon as possible. This position remains unchanged.

Pan Orient News, Azhari:Thank you. I am Azhari, Pan Orient News in Japan. What’s Japan’s position on that Israeli occupation forces call for about millions of Palestinians in Gaza to leave their homes. Related to the question there were some photos that showed that JICA office in Gaza was bombed. That’s a terrorist attack by Israel. Do you plan to condemn that as a terrorist attack by Israel and do you plan to ask Israel for compensation for the damage?

Minister Kamikawa:In the Gaza Strip and neighboring regions, there have already been numerous deaths and injuries. Tensions are heightening rapidly, and the situation remains totally unpredictable. The Government of Japan is paying close attention to the situation with deep concern.

The building occupied by JICA’s Gaza Branch was damaged. As far as we know, there were no human casualties. We are currently gathering detailed information on the damages at the branch. In addition, we are aware that UNRWA’s facilities and personnel have also been affected.

We consider the exit of foreign nationals, including Japanese citizens, from the Gaza Strip as well as the improvement of its humanitarian situation to be urgent issues.

Yesterday, October 16, State Minister Tsuji stated to the Ambassador of Israel in Japan that the protection of innocent civilians is important, and all parties need to act in line with international humanitarian law. He requested cooperation to ensure humanitarian access so that necessary assistance will reach to civilians.

We will continue to communicate with the various parties concerned as necessary according to the constantly changing situation.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Yoda:I would like to ask about the evacuation of Japanese citizens from Israel. Only eight Japanese people were on the charter flight that the Government of Japan arranged on October 14. Around how many people wished to take the flight in the pre-flight survey? In addition, considering that commercial flights from Israel are still operating, do you believe that sending a charter flight was appropriate? Please share your thoughts.

Minister Kamikawa:Before arranging the charter flight, we conducted a survey among Japanese people in Israel and asked if they wished to leave the country. As a result, we found that Japanese people on the ground had a certain level of interest in boarding the charter flight.

In Israel, regular commercial flights are being reduced in number but are still operating. Nevertheless, the Government arranged a charter flight to offer Japanese citizens who wished to leave as soon as possible an option besides commercial flights for leaving as soon as possible.

Reuters, John Geddie:John Geddie from Reuters News Agency. There is a perception that Japan’s response to this crisis has been more restrained than some other G7 countries. Japan was not among the 5 G7 leaders who issued the statement immediately after the attacks. Initially at least it used more cautious language in its official statements. Why is that? And related question Japan imports for the 90 percent of its oil from the Middle East. Is it concerned by this given the volatility of the situation in the region? Thank you.

Minister Kamikawa:Japan has the G7 Presidency this year. As the G7 Presidency, Japan has been working closely with other G7 members concerning the challenges facing the international community. Even since this incident began, the G7 members have been communicating with each other, and they have been issuing statements respectively.

The international community has been expressing its position on Middle East issues through various frameworks so far, and we understand that this statement issued by the five countries was one such statement.

Japan has been unequivocally condemning the recent terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants. On this basis, Japan has been expressing a consistent position that it is critical that the numerous civilians being held hostage are released as soon as possible and the safety of civilians is ensured, that all parties take actions in accordance with international law, and that the situation calms down as soon as possible.

The situation on the ground is constantly changing. Japan has been communicating its position based on the evolving situation. We will continue to communicate with the G7 members at various levels and work closely with them in addressing the challenges facing the international community.

The Middle East region has immense potential. It is not only rich in energy resources but is also located in critical sea lanes. Japan relies on the Middle East for approximately 90% of its crude oil imports. In this sense, peace and stability in this region are crucial for energy security as well.

From this standpoint, Japan is paying close attention to the situation with deep concern. We will continue to coordinate with the international community, including the G7. At the same time, we will make swift judgments and take actions when the situation changes rapidly, keeping firmly in mind the three points that I mentioned earlier.

Radio France, Nishimura:Against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war, the risk of terrorism has heightened in Europe, especially in France. Already, last Friday, a teacher was killed and three people were wounded as a result of a terror act at a junior high school in France. In view of this incident, the Government of France raised its terror alert to the highest level. In response to this situation, is the Government of Japan considering issuing an alert or warning to Japanese people who are or plan to be in France?

Minister Kamikawa:We are aware that, on October 13, an incident occurred in northern France in which a man entered a high school and killed or wounded a teacher and several others.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the victims and their families and sincerely pray that those injured recover as quickly as possible.

Such despicable terrorism must not be condoned for any reason, and the Government of Japan strongly condemns this attack.

We are aware that, the Government of France raised its national counter-terrorism action plan to the highest level following this incident.

Based on the response by the Government of France and the local terrorism situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued spot information and sent out a consul email to alert Japanese people in France and those traveling to the country.

We will continue to work closely with France in responding to the challenges facing the international community, including combatting terrorism, in addition to providing appropriate information as necessary and taking all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens overseas.

Anadolu Agency, Furkan:The Government of Japan has decided to dispatch a special representative for peace to this region as part of the efforts to de-escalate tensions. We are closely watching Japan’s approach to Middle East peace. When Japan’s special representative for peace visits this region, what kind of concrete plan will he seek to propose to the parties beyond calling for the de-escalation of tensions? What other innovative measures can we expect from Japan this month?

Minister Kamikawa:The Government of Japan has been actively making diplomatic efforts towards, for example, calming down the situation as soon as possible and improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

As part of such diplomatic efforts, Japan will dispatch Mr. Uemura, Representative of the Government of Japan and Special Envoy for the Middle East Peace, to Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar from tonight.

In these countries, representative Uemura will discuss the situation with their government officials and others, and through such discussions, Japan will, as quickly as possible, consider the concrete measures we should be taking.

Through our diplomatic efforts, including representative Uemura’s upcoming visit to the Middle East, Japan will take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese people in Israel and the Gaza Strip, and at the same time, continue to make active efforts to calm down the situation and improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

NHK, Igarashi: I would like to ask about securing the safety of Japanese people. Currently, how many Japanese citizens remain in Israel and Palestine? What is the status of their safety? In particular, there are concerns about the safety of Japanese citizens in the Gaza Strip. What efforts is the Government currently making on this issue?

Minister Kamikawa:I will answer your first question, there are approximately 900 Japanese citizens currently residing in Israel and Palestine. We have yet to receive any information that any have lost their lives or been injured.

In addition, a small number of Japanese citizens reside in the Gaza Strip, and we are communicating closely with them.

We will make every effort to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens while continuing to work closely with the countries and organizations concerned.