Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs:Let me begin with a few remarks.

To kick off the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, we just held a working dinner on “the Middle East” for over two hours, significantly exceeding the scheduled time. Amid the constantly changing situation and rapidly heightening tensions, and with the world becoming more divided, the G7 foreign ministers held very candid and in-depth discussions on the Middle East situation.

The G7 foreign ministers have been vigorously engaged in Middle East diplomacy ever since the terror attacks occurred last month. I myself visited Cairo, Egypt, in October and then Israel, Palestine, and Jordan last weekend. Similarly, U.S. Secretary of State Blinken and Foreign Minister Colonna of France came to Japan after visiting Türkiye in the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) respectively. We were able to hold discussions in light of such diplomatic efforts of the members.

As for the response to the most recent crisis, I stated, based on Japan’s position, that the immediate release of hostages and the improvement of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip are the top priorities, and we need to call on the relevant countries to take humanitarian pauses and ensure humanitarian access, which is a pre-condition for sufficient and continued humanitarian assistance.

Regarding the humanitarian assistance, including to Gaza, I explained that Japan will provide humanitarian aid amounting to around USD 65 million, in addition to the already-decided Emergency Grant Aid worth USD 10 million.

I also stated that it is important to consider the future of Gaza, as well as how to revitalize the Middle East Peace Process, and that I would like to continue to discuss among the G7 at all levels.

Based on today’s discussion, we intend to present a unified G7 position on the Middle East situation in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement, which is currently being drafted among the G7 members.

In addition, a Japan-UK Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting, the “2+2,” was held in person today for the first time in approximately six years. The four ministers aligned their recognition for the future direction of Japan-UK security and defense cooperation.

Furthermore, at the meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Blinken, we held a candid discussion on the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine particularly. We concurred on continuing to work closely to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and toward realizing humanitarian pauses that would contribute to such ends, as well as to realize a two-state solution. We further concurred on continuing diplomatic efforts to prevent the current situation from spreading to the Middle East region at large.

Tomorrow, the G7 foreign ministers will continue to deepen discussions on urgent topics such as the Indo-Pacific, Ukraine, and cooperation with international partners.

Reporter:Could you tell us what discussions took place at the working dinner regarding the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine? Specifically, what did you emphasize as the G7 Presidency? Did the G7 foreign ministers reach a consensus on anything toward calming down the situation, such as humanitarian pauses? What do you hope to include in the outcome document concerning Israel and Palestine? Please also tell us what discussions you hope to have tomorrow.

Minister Kamikawa:First, I underscored as the Presidency the following points.

At the working dinner, as for the response to the most recent crisis, I stated, based on Japan’s position, that the immediate release of hostages and the improvement of the humanitarian situation in Gaza are the top priorities, and we need to call on the relevant countries to take humanitarian pauses and ensure humanitarian access, which is a pre-condition for sufficient and continued humanitarian assistance.

Regarding the humanitarian assistance, including to Gaza, I explained that Japan will provide humanitarian aid amounting to around USD 65 million, in addition to the already-decided Emergency Grant Aid worth USD 10 million.

I also stated that it is important to consider the future of Gaza, as well as how to revitalize the Middle East Peace Process, and that I would like to continue to discuss among the G7 members at all levels.

As for your question about details of what the foreign ministers reached a consensus on and what will be included in the outcome document, we hope to present a unified G7 position in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement, and I would like to refrain from answering at this time.

Tomorrow, the G7 foreign ministers will deepen discussions on topics including the Indo-Pacific, Ukraine, and cooperation with international partners.

Reporter:First, I would like to confirm one point. At the outset, you mentioned you stressed that the improvement of the humanitarian situation in Gaza is the top priority and that humanitarian pauses were necessary. Was a general agreement on this? Were there any objections? Additionally, as the Israeli military intensifies its attacks, countries including the United States that support Israel are facing increasing international criticism. What message does the G7 wish to send to the world regarding the situation in the Middle East? Please also explain its significance.

Minister Kamikawa:As I mentioned earlier, we hope to present a unified G7 position in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement, and I would like to refrain from answering at this time.

That being said, at the working dinner, I stated that the immediate release of hostages and the improvement of the humanitarian situation in Gaza are the top priorities, and we need to call on the relevant countries to take humanitarian pauses and ensure humanitarian access, which is a pre-condition for sufficient and continued humanitarian assistance.

I also stated that it is important to consider the future of Gaza, as well as how to revitalize the Middle East Peace Process, and that I would like to continue to discuss among the G7 at all levels.

Reporter:I would like to ask about the situation in Gaza. With Russia, which is engaged in an invasion of Ukraine, the G7 has strongly condemned escalated attacks on hospitals and civilian infrastructure, and indicated clearly that indiscriminate and intentional attacks constitute war crimes. However, the G7 appears to not have a clear position on the Israeli military operations, which are impacting many women and children. Criticisms over the G7’s so-called double standards seem to be endangering its position. Could you please share your views?

Minister Kamikawa:Israel’s recent actions are in response to the terror attacks by Hamas and others, and we consider that Israel, like other sovereign nations, has a right to defend itself and its people from such terror attacks in accordance with international law.

At the same time, all acts should be carried out in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law. We have been emphasizing to Israel similarly the importance of protecting civilians and calling on Israel to act in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law.

Japan’s position on these matters is consistent. Based on the constantly changing situation on the ground, Japan intends to persistently continue our diplomatic efforts to calm down the situation as soon as possible, and improve the humanitarian situation, while communicating with G7 members, relevant countries, international organizations, and other parties.