Japan today announced the provision of $10 million in prompt assistance to address Gaza’s urgent needs following the recent Israeli onslaught.
In a telephone call with Palestinian Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister, Riyad al-Malki, Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Motegi Toshimitsu, stated that his country was providing USD $10 million to help the war-torn coastal enclave address its urgent needs arising from the recent Israeli relentless bombardment, which killed 254 Palestinians and wounded some 1,950 others, and battle the Covid-19 outbreak.
According to a statement published by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Motegi “stated his determination to play an active role, including in addressing promptly the urgent need for assistance, as well as in assisting reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip” once the relevant arrangements are commenced through the Palestinian Authority.
He “exchanged views ]with al-Malki[ on the latest developments”, “welcomed the ceasfire agreement” and “strongly encouraged the Palestinian Authority to continue implementing its efforts towards easing the tension in the region with a view to ensuring the lasting ceasefire.”
Minister Motegi reaffirmed his country’s “support for a two-state solution regarding the Middle East Peace Process, and expressed his continued commitment to confidence-building measures among the concerned parties through Japan’s own initiatives such as the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative and the “Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD)”.
He expressed his desire to visit Palestine in August 2021 in order to put his country’s role into effect with regards to the revitalization of the political process.
Minister al-Malki expressed his gratitude for Japan’s assistance to Palestine as he welcomed any Japanese efforts aimed at restoring trust between the two sides as the first step towards resuming talks based on the relevant international terms of reference with the ultimate purpose of ending the Israeli occupation and establishing the independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He also stated that Palestine is fully committed to achieving peace and will continue to make utmost efforts to realize peace and stability in the region, including sustaining the ceasefire.
Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA