Conflicts & War

Japan urges respect of UN resolution for ceasefire in Gaza

Tokyo, Mar 26 (EFE).- Japan on Tuesday welcomed a recently-approved United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and urged that it be respected.

Japanese government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a press conference that Japan had voted in favor of the proposal, which was approved with 14 votes with the United States abstaining.

Tokyo, a non-permanent member of the Council that ends its term this year, also called for sincere actions to be taken respecting the resolution and international humanitarian laws and said it would continue to be involved in diplomatic efforts seeking to improve the situation.

The resolution, which was approved after four previous failed attempts, was presented by the ten non-permanent members of the Council.

The US – an unconditional ally of Israel – vetoed three resolutions saying that a ceasefire would allow Hamas to rearm while Russia and China vetoed a draft resolution tabled by the US on Friday, arguing that it did not contain a clear demand for a ceasefire.

Hayashi also referred to Japan’s funding to the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which it had suspended in January due to alleged links between several of the agency’s employees and Hamas.

Hayashi said that Japan was exchanging views on necessary measures to maintain the governance of UNRWA so that contributions to the fund could be resumed.

The Japanese spokesperson’s remarks come before an upcoming visit to Japan by UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini this week aimed at facilitating talks to resume the contribution of funds.

With more than 30,000 employees, UNRWA is the largest organization in Gaza apart from the government, controlled de facto by Hamas since 2007. EFE

emg-yk/pd

Related Articles

Back to top button