Press Conferences

Kyodo News, Hayashi:Regarding the situation in the Middle East, I would like to ask about the current status on evacuating Japanese citizens. Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno stated at yesterday’s press conference that the Government of Japan is making preparations to evacuate Japanese citizens from Israel on SDF aircraft soon. Please share with us the current situation and if there is any prospect of a timetable for evacuation.

Ms. KOBAYASHI Maki, Press Secretary:The situation surrounding Israel and Palestine is growing more tense by the minute, as Israeli ground forces have partially begun operations in the Gaza Strip. We are aware that depending on further developments, it may become difficult for commercial flights from Israel to leave the country.

Regular commercial flights departing from Israel continue to operate. However, according to El Al Israel Airlines, there are at present no plans for direct flights from Tel Aviv to Tokyo for the time being, and the flights on Monday, October 30 were the last. In light of this situation, we are currently conducting a survey of Japanese citizens’ intentions on departing the country and boarding flights, with the idea of conducting another round of transportation for Japanese citizens via SDF aircraft.

I would like to refrain from giving further details, as this matter concerns concrete operations.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Tanikawa:There are reports that injured people from Gaza will be allowed to pass through the Rafah border crossing on the border between Gaza and Egypt. Please tell us what the Government of Japan knows about this issue. In addition, how will the government address Japanese citizens who are to evacuate from the Gaza Strip?

Press Secretary Kobayashi:The Government of Japan has received various reports and is paying close attention to the situation.

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. From this standpoint, we hope reopening the Rafah border crossing will facilitate the evacuation of foreign citizens, including Japanese citizens, who wish to leave, and ensure humanitarian access.

With regard to the evacuation of Japanese citizens, we have been communicating closely with a small number who reside in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, we are making every effort to evacuate those citizens from the Gaza Strip while vigorously reaching out to relevant countries and organizations.

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 to clearly convey Japan’s position, towards calming down the situation as soon as possible and improving the humanitarian situation.

Sankei Shimbun, Harakawa: Regarding Foreign Minister Kamikawa’s visit to Israel and Jordan, Minister Kamikawa herself announced this at last night’s press conference, but could you tell us the objectives and expected outcomes of this visit?

Press Secretary Kobayashi:As the minister stated during her press conference yesterday, final arrangements are now being made for the minister’s visit to Israel and Jordan, and meeting with Palestinian dignitaries.

As I stated earlier, the top priority right now is improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. We consider that this requires a humanitarian pause to implement humanitarian assistance and ensuring humanitarian access.

Amid this situation, we have unequivocally condemned the attacks by Hamas and others, which are terror attacks, and have consistently called for: 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. Based on such a position, we plan to build on our diplomatic efforts thus far by communicating and engaging with the various officials and dignitaries whom the minister will meet on this visit.

As the minister stated yesterday, final arrangements are now being made for her itinerary, and the minister hopes to meet with the people affected and deliver a message of peace. We will address the matter while making such efforts.