Japan Backs Palestinian State Recognition Amid Gaza Conflict
Japan Signals Support for Palestinian State Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict
Nearly 80 percent of United Nations members now recognize the State of Palestine, with countries including Britain, Canada, and France adding their support this week—nearly two years after the conflict in Gaza began.
Japan has joined the growing chorus of nations calling for Palestinian statehood. Shigeru Ishiba, a senior Japanese official, expressed strong criticism of statements from Israeli leaders rejecting Palestinian state-building.
“For our country, the question is not whether to recognize a Palestinian state, but when,” Ishiba said. “The continued unilateral actions by the government of Israel are unacceptable. If these actions persist and block a two-state solution, Japan will be forced to respond with new measures.”
The renewed push for recognition comes in the wake of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack killed 1,219 Israelis, mostly civilians, according to official data.
Since then, nearly two years of Israeli military operations have claimed the lives of 65,382 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry—figures the UN considers reliable.
Japan, a G7 member and close ally of the United States, hosts roughly 54,000 US military personnel. Despite Washington’s past stance under President Donald Trump that recognition would reward Hamas, Japan’s position is now leaning toward Palestinian statehood.
In Asia, other countries such as South Korea and Singapore have so far refrained from recognizing Palestine.
Ishiba emphasized the human toll of the conflict: “The terror inflicted by Hamas and the devastation in Gaza leave many of us deeply saddened. What matters most is that Palestine can exist sustainably, side by side with Israel, in peace.”
He added that for Palestine to take its place as a responsible member of the international community, it must establish governance structures that ensure accountability.
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