Japan on Saturday rejected Israel’s decision to expand its military operations to take control of Gaza City, warning that this measure may “further aggravate the already grave humanitarian situation in Gaza” and “undermine the achievement of the two-state solution.”

RELATED:

China Slams U.S.-Philippines-Japan Military Cooperation in South China Sea

In a statement released on the eve, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed his “deep concern” about the decision announced last Friday by the Israeli government, and reiterated his call on all parties “to resume negotiations and work in good faith to achieve a ceasefire and the release of hostages.”

The Japanese government reiterated its rejection of “any action, such as this plan, that undermines the realization of the two-state solution,” a measure that Tokyo “has been constantly supporting” and that allows “a future independent Palestinian state to coexist in peace and security,” according to the statement.

“Improving the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza is an urgent priority. Japan urges Israel to take substantive measures to end the serious humanitarian crisis, including hunger, and reiterates its strong demand that it fully comply with international law, including international humanitarian law,” the Japanese Foreign Minister stressed.

The Security Cabinet of the Government of Israel gave the green light last Friday to a military plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to occupy Gaza City, in the north of the enclave.

The decision has led to an increasing amount of condemnation from the international community, including that of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who canceled “until further notice” exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip.

The European Commission and the UN, as well as other countries such as Spain, Belgium, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Australia, have also expressed their rejection of the Israeli plan.

IN THIS ARTICLE