Press Releases
Decision by Israel regarding its plan to take control of Gaza City
(Statement by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi)
August 9, 2025
- On August 8 (local time), the Government of Israel announced its decision to approve a plan to take control of Gaza City. Japan is strongly concerned that this decision will further exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Japan once again urges all parties to return to negotiations and to work in good faith towards a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Japan opposes any actions, such as this plan, that undermine the realization of a two-state solution.
- Improving the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza is an urgent priority. Japan calls on Israel to take substantive measures to end the serious humanitarian crisis, including starvation, and reiterates our strong demand for its full compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law.
- Japan has consistently supported a two-state solution, whereby Israel and a future independent Palestinian state live side by side in peace and security, through confidence building and negotiations between the parties. Japan remains committed to continuing to work for its realization.