March 28, 2024

Akahata editorial (excerpts)

A resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan was adopted at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on March 25. This is the first-time adoption of a UNSC resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. The adopted resolution also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages as well as ensuring access to humanitarian aid in Gaza. The United States, which vetoed four earlier resolutions calling for a ceasefire, abstained from voting this time instead of using the power of its veto.

Refusing to comply with the UNSC resolution, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his intent to go ahead with a ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah even without U.S. approval. The U.S. government, despite accepting the adoption, claimed that the resolution is “non-binding”. Such a blatantly false claim will not hold water in the international community.

The Japanese government, while becoming a co-sponsor of the adopted resolution, still suspends its funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The suspension decision was made following the allegation of several UNRWA staff members’ involvement in the terror attack on Israeli citizens on October 7 last year. However, as the third-party organization’s investigation into the allegation progressed, Canada, Sweden, and some other countries have resumed their contributions to UNRWA. Japan should also resume funding despite U.S. pressure to do so.

The Kishida government plans to purchase and import Israeli-made attack drones. This plan should be withdrawn. The UN Special Rapporteur for human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories on March 26 pointed out that “Israel and those states that have been complicit in what can be reasonably concluded to constitute genocide must be held accountable.” The special rapporteur made a recommendation which includes the imposition of an arms embargo on Israel. Voices like this will spread further. As a nation having the Constitution which declares that “all peoples of the world have the right to live in peace, free from fear and want,” what Japan should do is to strengthen its diplomatic efforts to realize an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Past related articles:
> Motomura demands that Japan resume its contributions to UNRWA [February 22, 2024]
> JCP condemns US for vetoing UNSC resolution calling for Gaza ceasefire [December 10, 2023]