Press Releases
Japan-Israel Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
April 3, 2024
On April 3rd, commencing at 6:40 p.m. (Japan Time) for approximately 35 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Israel KATZ, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, to discuss the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine. The overview is as follows:
- At the outset, Foreign Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan, in light of the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and UNRWA’s measures to strengthen its governance, announced to lift the suspension of financial contributions to UNRWA on April 2nd. She also stated that Japan will ensure the propriety of projects funded by Japan through the establishment of a Japan-UNRWA Project Management and Monitoring Mechanism and receive periodic progress reports.
- Specifically, Foreign Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan is deeply concerned about the possibility of large-scale military operation in Rafah. She then stated that Japan strongly believes a humanitarian ceasefire needs to be realized promptly in such a way as to ensure a conducive environment for sufficient humanitarian assistance activities as well as to lead to the release of the remaining hostages, thereby resulting in the realization of a sustainable ceasefire, and once again called for action for that cause. She also emphasized the critical importance of compliance with international law including international humanitarian law. Additionally, Foreign Minister Kamikawa mentioned that Japan is deeply concerned about the deaths and injuries of aid workers that occurred on April 2nd, and requested a proper investigation and measures taken to prevent recurrence of such incident. She also reiterated Japan’s position that settlement activities are in violation of international law, and called for effective measures. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Kamikawa stressed the necessity to avoid further spillover of the conflict into the region.
- Foreign Minister Katz made remarks based on Israel's position, including on the current situation in Gaza and its military operations.
- Both sides concurred to continue close communication to develop the bilateral relations and to achieve the stability in the region.