Press Releases
State Minister for Foreign Affairs FUJII attended the Cairo Ministerial Conference to enhance the humanitarian response in Gaza
On December 2, commencing at 6:00 p.m. (11:00 a.m. local time), Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended “the Cairo Ministerial Conference to enhance the humanitarian response in Gaza”, hosted by Egypt and the United Nations.
The meeting was attended by ministers and other representatives of countries including Arab States, Europe and North America, as well as international organizations, including the United Nations. Participants expressed grave concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and stressed the imperative of resolving the crisis as soon as possible. They also shared the necessity of the international community working together to take immediate humanitarian action and accelerate preparations for the “day after” in Gaza, including assistance for early recovery and reconstruction. The overview is as follows.
- In the conference, State Minister Fujii commended Egypt for its vital role in improving the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and pursuing a ceasefire. State Minister Fujii then stated that more than a year has passed since the terror attacks by Hamas on October 7th, 2023 and it is our shared responsibility to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe. State Minister Fujii renewed Japan’s demand for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages, and a significant expansion of humanitarian assistance.
- State Minister Fujii stated that enormous challenges lie ahead on the “day after”, and the international community needs to work together from now to stabilize and rebuild Gaza immediately after the conflict. State Minister Fujii then explained that Japan has been providing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people with a total of approximately $130 million to date since October 7, 2023, and explained about Japanese assistance for capacity building of the Palestinian Authority, as well as for enabling the provision of administrative services in the Gaza Strip.
- State Minister Fujii stressed that UNRWA is the backbone of all humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip and beyond, and UNRWA must not be prevented from effectively fulfilling its mandate, while continuing to ensure its neutrality.
- Finally, State Minister Fujii emphasized that the only realistic solution to the conflict is the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine, while expressing Japan’s unwavering support for the two-state solution. State Minister Fujii also welcomed the establishment of the Global Alliance to advance the two-state solution led by Saudi Arabia and the EU, and stated that Japan is ready to continue to play a necessary role.