Tokyo: Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya on Wednesday strongly condemned the expansion of the Israeli occupation offensive to Gaza City the previous day, urging the occupation to immediately cease all unilateral actions.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Israel Defense Forces announced its expanding ground operations in Gaza City in the Gaza Strip, which will further aggravate the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including famine. Japan strongly condemns these actions, which are entirely unacceptable, Iwaya said in a statement.
Japan views with a profound sense of urgency the ongoing Israeli actions, including the recent military operations, which could undermine the very foundation of a two-state solution. We once again strongly urge Israel to immediately cease all unilateral actions that run counter to the realization of a two-state solution, said Iwaya.
The minister also demanded Israeli occupation immediately take concrete measures to promptly end the dire humanitarian crisis and to comply with international law.
We call upon all parties, including Israel, to return to negotiations and work in good faith toward achieving a ceasefire and the release of hostages, he emphasized.
Iwaya also reaffirmed Tokyo's long-standing stance, saying, Japan has consistently supported a two-state solution. In addition, he stressed that Japan remains committed to working for its realization in close cooperation with relevant countries and international organizations.