Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Japan’s Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi said the veto by the United States of a UN resolution aimed at bringing about a ceasefire in the war in Gaza was “quite regrettable.”
When asked by Arab News Japan if America’s decision to block the resolution was an obstacle to ending Israel’s occupation of Gaza, the Foreign Minister replied: “As a member of the Security Council, we have been engaged in multiple diplomatic efforts, but the fact that it did not reach an adoption is quite regrettable.”
“However, Japan gives credit to the strenuous diplomatic efforts that the United States is making towards achieving an immediate ceasefire and the release of the hostages. Iwaya said Japan will continue to make efforts to approach countries that are involved in trying to bring about peace in the region.
When asked about the situation in Lebanon, he replied: “With regards to the heightened tension between Israel and Hezbollah, Japan is gravely concerned about this. There are many casualties amongst the civilians, and this is extremely painful.”
He said it was imperative “for all the stakeholders to prevent civilian casualties, to abide by the international law and fully comply with the resolutions of the Security Council in order to avoid further escalation.”