Press Conferences

Kyodo News, Hayashi:I would like to ask about the situation in the Middle East.

At the UN Security Council (UNSC) Ministerial Meeting on the situation in Gaza, UN Secretary-General Guterres condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza as a violation of international humanitarian law and called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. On the other hand, Israel has opposed this with a strong statement that it “will reassess our relations with the UN.” U.S. Secretary of State Blinken, while recognizing Israel’s right to self-defense, has stated that a temporary ceasefire should also be considered. Please tell us the reaction of the Government of Japan with regard to this situation and each party’s statement and position.

Additionally, there is a report that Minister Kamikawa is considering a visit to Israel in early November. Are arrangements being made for Minister Kamikawa to visit Israel? Please share with us the latest information.

Ms. KOBAYASHI Maki, Press Secretary:First, I am aware of the reports on Minister Kamikawa’s visit to Israel, but nothing has been decided.

As to your first question about the exchanges during the UNSC Open Debate, I would like to refrain from commenting on those statements one by one.

That being said, in the Open Debate, Ambassador Ishikane of Japan stated that Japan unequivocally condemns the terror attacks by Hamas and others, and called for the immediate release of people being held hostage and securing the safety of civilians. He also welcomed the diplomatic efforts of the United States and other countries, and stressed that united action by the UNSC is essential to calming down the situation as soon as possible.

Based on the fluid situation on the ground, the Government of Japan will continue to make efforts actively, including engaging with the parties concerned, towards calming down the situation as soon as possible and improving the humanitarian situation, while coordinating with the international community.

I would like to add one point. Various parties have stated the call for a temporary ceasefire. From a humanitarian standpoint, we have stated that we unequivocally condemned the terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, and that it is extremely important to achieve the immediate release of people being held hostage and secure the safety of civilians, for all the parties to act based on international law, and to calm down the situation as soon as possible. Given the current situation, Japan likewise believes that, from a humanitarian point of view, it is important to temporarily call for a ceasefire.

Asahi Shimbun, Nagasaki:My question is also related to the situation in the Middle East. I understand that flights today were the last and direct regular flights between Israel and Japan will be suspended until next spring. The government has urged Japanese citizens to evacuate Israel. Will this change the government’s response in the future? In addition, I believe Self-Defense Forces (SDF) aircraft are still on standby in nearby countries. Will they be dispatched to Israel?

Press Secretary Kobayashi: To begin with the facts, I am aware that Israel’s El Al Israel Airlines has been operating direct flights from Tel Aviv to Narita Airport twice a week since March of this year, but that they will be suspended after the last flight on October 25.

I understand that the direct flights to Japan by El Al were originally scheduled for suspension during the winter, but in light of actual demand and other factors, the airline has decided to suspend operation somewhat earlier than initially planned.

Although the number of scheduled commercial flights from Tel Aviv has decreased, El Al and other airlines are still in operation. We will continue to urge Japanese citizens who are in Israel and wish to leave the country to do so as soon as possible while commercial flights remain in operation.

In addition, the government has SDF aircraft on standby in Jordan in preparation for any unforeseen circumstances.

The Government of Japan will continue to make every effort to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Tanikawa:Regarding the explosion that occurred at Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza on October 17, UK Prime Minister Sunak indicated that it is highly likely that it was caused by a missile from Gaza. Hamas claims that it was an airstrike by Israeli forces. The situation is turning into an information war. What is the Government of Japan’s view on the cause of the explosion?

Press Secretary Kobayashi:Regarding the cause of the destruction at Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza on October 17, which resulted in numerous casualties, the Israel side and Hamas and the Islamic Jihad side have made different claims, so it is difficult to make a determination based solely on the claims by the parties involved.

That being said, after taking into full consideration the various information confirmed thus far, we assess overall that this incident was not caused by an attack by the Israeli military.

Anadolu Agency, Furkan:According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, over the past two-and-a-half weeks, nearly 6,000 civilians have lost their lives due to Israeli attacks in Gaza, and approximately half of those killed in Gaza have been children. I would like to ask a question about this. Does the Government of Japan intend to respond against Israel for causing civilian deaths in Gaza? Please tell us the view of the Government of Japan about the killing of innocent children in Gaza during Israeli attacks.

Press Secretary Kobayashi:In the Gaza Strip and neighboring regions, there have already been numerous deaths and injuries. I recognize that the tensions are heightening rapidly.

The situation remains totally unpredictable, the Government of Japan is paying close attention to the situation with deep concern.

As I stated, to date, Japan has unequivocally condemned the recent terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, and has responded based on a consistent position that prioritizes: firstly, the immediate release of people being held hostage and securing the safety of civilians; secondly, all the parties acting based on international law; and thirdly, calming down the situation as soon as possible.

With Israel, Minister Kamikawa and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuji held meetings with Foreign Minister Cohen and the Ambassador of Israel in Japan respectively. They stated that the protection of innocent civilians is important and all parties need to act in line with international humanitarian law. They also requested cooperation to ensure humanitarian access so that necessary assistance will be delivered to civilians.

NHK, Kato:I also would like to ask about the situation in the Middle East. Currently, how many Japanese citizens remain in Israel, Palestine, and the Gaza Strip? Please tell us again your thoughts about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ efforts on ensuring the safety of Japanese people.

Press Secretary Kobayashi:There are approximately 800 Japanese citizens currently residing in Israel and Palestine. We have confirmed their safety as needed.

In addition, a small number of Japanese citizens reside in the Gaza Strip, and we have been communicating closely with them. The Government of Japan is making every effort to evacuate them while engaging vigorously with the countries and organizations concerned.

In any case, we have yet to receive any information that any have lost their lives or been injured.

The Government will continue to make every effort to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens.