Press Releases
Reaching an Agreement for the Release of Hostages and Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip
(Statement by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi)
January 16, 2025
- Japan welcomes that the agreement on the release of hostages and ceasefire regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip was reached by the parties concerned on January 15. This agreement is an important step towards improving the humanitarian situation and calming the situation, which Japan has consistently called for, as it stipulates the halt of military operations, the release of hostages, the increase of humanitarian assistance activities, and others.
- Japan appreciates the efforts of all parties involved, including Egypt, Qatar and the United States, in achieving this agreement, and urges the parties to implement the agreement steadily and in good faith to put an end to the unbearable suffering. Japan strongly hopes that this agreement will lead to the stabilization of the Israeli-Palestinian situation in the long term.
- Japan, in close communication with the countries and international organizations concerned, will continue to engage with the international efforts concerning the improvement of the humanitarian situations, the reconstruction and governance of Gaza, and will redouble its diplomatic efforts towards achieving a two-state solution and establishing long-term peace and stability in the region.