Japan refrains from recognising Palestinian state at UN meeting
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Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said the country "strongly condemns" Israel's "unilateral" actions.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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Japan on Sept 22 stopped short of joining the growing list of countries recognising a Palestinian state at a high-level United Nations meeting, but emphasised that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
“The issue of recognising a Palestinian state is not a matter of if, but of when,” Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya told the conference at the world body’s headquarters
“While carefully monitoring developments in the region, Japan will continue its comprehensive deliberations with even greater seriousness.”
Japan’s decision not to recognise Palestinian statehood was at odds with several Western countries, including Britain, Canada and France, and aligned with the US, Tokyo’s closest ally.
The number of countries recognising Palestine has reached nearly 160, surpassing 80 per cent of 193 UN member states.
However, unlike the administration of US President Donald Trump, which has given strong support to Israel in its conflict with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Mr Iwaya said that Japan “strongly condemns” Israel’s “unilateral” actions, including the intensification of military operations in Gaza
“Should Israel take further actions that block the path to the realisation of a two-state solution, Japan will be compelled to introduce new measures in response,” Mr Iwaya said.
At the same time, he urged Hamas to release all remaining hostages captured by the militant group during its 2023 attack on Israel
Ahead of the General Debate of the UN General Assembly on Sept 23, France and Saudi Arabia co-hosted the conference aimed at reviving momentum for the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
French President Emmanuel Macron formally recognised a Palestinian state, following Australia, Britain, Canada and Portugal, which did so on Sept 21.
Mr Macron said the recognition is “the only solution that will allow for Israel to live in peace”.
The US, the only permanent member of the UN Security Council not to recognise Palestinian statehood, and Israel boycotted the meeting.
They have asserted that recognising a Palestinian state will embolden Hamas and prolong the war. KYODO NEWS
