Press Releases
Japan-Israel Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
May 27, 2024
On May 27th, commencing at 4:30 p.m. (Japan Time) for approximately 25 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. The overview is as follows:
- At the outset, on the situation in Gaza, Minister Kamikawa called for an immediate ceasefire so that release of the hostages is realized, and a conducive environment for humanitarian assistance activities is ensured in a sustainable manner, and stated that Japan hopes that it would lead to the realization of a sustainable ceasefire. Furthermore, while conveying Japan’s deep concern for the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza, as well as its opposition to a full scale military operation in Rafah, Minister Kamikawa reiterated that humanitarian assistance activities, including making use of the Rafah crossing, should not be impeded. In addition, the Minitser stated that orders of provisional measures of the ICJ are legally binding on the parties to disputes, and to be observed in good faith.
- In response, Minister Katz explained Israel's position and efforts on the situation in the Gaza Strip, as well as Israel’s position on the orders of provisional measures of the ICJ and on the applications for warrants of arrest filed by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
- Both sides concurred to continue close communication.