Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs:On November 1, local time, 10 Japanese citizens and 8 of their Palestinian family members who had requested evacuation, 18 people in total, have evacuated on land from the Gaza Strip into Egypt. They have received medical check-ups as necessary and have all been confirmed to have no particular health issues.

The Government of Japan has been making every effort to evacuate Japanese people from the Gaza Strip while vigorously reaching out to relevant countries and organizations. We are grateful for the cooperation extended by Egypt and other relevant countries.

The situation in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly severe, and we consider that the immediate priority is to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. We hope that the Rafah border crossing will remain reopened and that conditions for enabling the evacuation of anyone wishing to do so and humanitarian access will be secured.

Japan will persistently continue to maintain 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 including clearly conveying Japan’s position, towards calming down the situation as soon as possible and improving the humanitarian situation.

Reporter:After passing through the Rafah border crossing, what is the current status of the Japanese people and their family members who have evacuated Gaza? Please also tell us whether the Government of Japan intends to support their return to Japan. In addition, have all Japanese people residing in Gaza been able to evacuate? Please tell us whether any Japanese people remain in Gaza.

Minister Kamikawa:Firstly, regarding the status of the Japanese evacuees, the Japanese citizens and their family members who have evacuated the Gaza Strip are currently in Egypt. We have confirmed that they do not have any health issues. We will consider providing as much further support as possible, while also taking into account the Japanese citizens’ intentions.

This time, 10 Japanese citizens and 8 of their Palestinian family members who had requested evacuation, 18 people in total, were evacuated.

The government’s current understanding is that one Japanese citizen remains in the Gaza Strip due to individual circumstances. We understand that this person bases their life in the Gaza Strip with their Palestinian family members, has Palestinian citizenship, and has currently not requested evacuation. We will maintain close communication with them and continue to take steps to ensure their safety.

Reporter:Your visit to Palestine was announced earlier. You will visit Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. Please tell us once again the objectives of this visit. In addition, please share your thoughts on the Israeli military’s assault, including airstrikes on a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip on consecutive days.

Minister Kamikawa:During this visit, I will visit Ramallah in the West Bank and meet with Palestinian dignitaries.

I intend to exchange views on the extremely serious humanitarian situation and other matters, and directly convey that Japan will continue to provide assistance for Palestine.

I am aware that from October 31 to November 1, local time, the Israeli military conducted strikes on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, among other sites, and there have been many civilian deaths. I understand that the Israeli military has explained that these strikes targeted Hamas leaders and related infrastructure.

The situation in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly severe, and I am deeply saddened that innocent people, including children with bright futures, women, and the elderly, are suffering.

With Israel, on various occasions, Japan has stated the importance of protecting civilians, called for Israel to act in line with international law and international humanitarian law, and requested Israel’s cooperation in ensuring humanitarian access.

In light of the constantly changing situation on the ground, we will take this opportunity of my visit to the Middle East to continue to maintain communication with the countries concerned including Israel. At the same time, we intend to actively and persistently continue our diplomatic efforts to calm down the situation.