Japan expressed deep concern over the escalation of attacks between Israel and Lebanon, warning of the mounting civilian toll and damage to infrastructure, and urging an immediate cessation of hostilities.
In a statement, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu said Japan is "deeply concerned about the escalation of attacks between the two sides since Hezbollah attacked Israel on 2 March," noting that the developments have resulted in "numerous civilian casualties and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure."
The minister also addressed the announcement by the Israel Defense Forces on March 16 regarding the implementation of a ground operation, expressing "serious concern over this ground operation amid the call from the international community for restraint." He stressed that Japan "strongly calls for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity to be respected."
Motegi further condemned attacks against United Nations personnel following the killing of three members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on March 29 and 30, stating that "attacks against the UN personnel are unacceptable" and condemning "all threats to the safety and security of UNIFIL." He also expressed "heartfelt condolences over the loss of the three personnel."
In order to prevent further deterioration, Japan called for "an immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah," urging all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and to fully implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The statement concluded by strongly urging all parties to "exercise maximum restraint" and to make "sincere efforts for a diplomatic settlement" to prevent further escalation.
In a statement, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu said Japan is "deeply concerned about the escalation of attacks between the two sides since Hezbollah attacked Israel on 2 March," noting that the developments have resulted in "numerous civilian casualties and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure."
The minister also addressed the announcement by the Israel Defense Forces on March 16 regarding the implementation of a ground operation, expressing "serious concern over this ground operation amid the call from the international community for restraint." He stressed that Japan "strongly calls for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity to be respected."
Motegi further condemned attacks against United Nations personnel following the killing of three members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on March 29 and 30, stating that "attacks against the UN personnel are unacceptable" and condemning "all threats to the safety and security of UNIFIL." He also expressed "heartfelt condolences over the loss of the three personnel."
In order to prevent further deterioration, Japan called for "an immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah," urging all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and to fully implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The statement concluded by strongly urging all parties to "exercise maximum restraint" and to make "sincere efforts for a diplomatic settlement" to prevent further escalation.
