Japan has strongly condemned an Israeli attack targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, announced on September 9 local time.
In a statement released yesterday (September 10), Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi declared that the action “undermines those efforts (for a ceasefire and hostage release) and threatens Qatar’s sovereignty and security, and consequently jeopardises regional stability."
The statement emphasised that realising a ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of hostages are “urgent priorities” for Japan. It acknowledged the ongoing “serious diplomatic efforts” by relevant countries, including Qatar, to achieve these goals.
Expressing solidarity with Qatar, Japan “once again strongly urges Israel to immediately return to negotiations and to work in good faith towards a ceasefire and the release of hostages”.
The Foreign Minister underlined the utmost importance of peace and stability in the Middle East to Japan. In this context, Japan called on “all parties concerned to refrain from any actions, including acts of terrorism, that could undermine regional stability, and strongly calls for de-escalation of tensions”.
The Japanese government is determined to make all necessary diplomatic efforts in order to prevent the further deterioration of the situation, while taking all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in the region.
