Press Releases
Meeting between State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII and H.E. Mr. Gilad COHEN, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel
October 26, 2023
On October 25th, commencing at 5 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. HORII Iwao held a talk with H.E. Mr. Gilad COHEN, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel, to discuss the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine. The overview is as follows:
- State Minister Horii stated that Japan has unequivocally condemned the recent terror attacks by Hamas and others, and that Japan offers its condolences to the bereaved families and expresses its heartfelt sympathies to the injured.
- State Minister Horii also expressed Japan’s solidarity with the people of Israel, and reiterated that Israel has a right to defend itself and its people in accordance with international law.
- State Minister Horii then stated that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly severe, and that it is crucial to continue and increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. State Minister Horii requested cooperation by the Israeli side for a humanitarian pause to implement humanitarian assistance and to ensure humanitarian access, so that necessary assistance will be delivered to the people in the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, State Minister Horii once again requested cooperation in ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals.
- Ambassador Cohen stated that Israel deeply appreciates the solidarity shown by Japan, and that Israel is making effort to minimize human casualties. He also stated that Israel would continue to cooperate as much as possible to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.