Japan Urges Israel to Curb West Bank settler Violence
TOKYO - On November 24, 2023, the Japanese government issued a statement expressing deep concern over escalating violence perpetrated by settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, urging Israel to take immediate action to prevent further incidents. the call for intervention comes amid heightened tensions in the region and ongoing international efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Gaza Strip.
The statement from Japan’s Foreign Ministry, released Friday, directly addresses reports from the United Nations detailing a rapid increase in settler violence, frequently enough carried out with the support of Israeli occupation forces. This advancement is especially significant as it underscores growing international pressure on Israel to address the issue and protect Palestinian communities. The situation threatens to further destabilize the west Bank and complicate prospects for a lasting two-state solution, a cornerstone of international efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Japan affirmed its long-held position that Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank constitute a breach of international law.the government explicitly called on Israel to fully halt all settlement construction and refrain from any actions that could exacerbate tensions.
“the government of Japan expresses its strong concern over the rapid increase of settler violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank,” the statement read. ”The Government of Japan calls on the Government of Israel to take appropriate measures to prevent settler violence.”
The Japanese government’s statement reflects a broader international consensus that unchecked settler violence undermines the possibility of a viable two-state solution, which envisions an self-reliant Palestinian state alongside Israel. The timing of the statement also signals Japan’s commitment to supporting ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalating the conflict and fostering a path towards lasting peace.
