Japanese lawmakers urge government to recognize Palestine
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Japanese lawmakers have submitted 206 signatures to the foreign minister as global momentum builds ahead of the UN General Assembly.
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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba waits after the first vote for a new prime minister at a special parliamentary session of the lower house on November 11, 2024, in Tokyo (AP)
Japanese lawmakers from across the political spectrum have called on Tokyo to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, Anadolu reported.
A nonpartisan parliamentary group, which includes members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, submitted a petition with 206 signatures to Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya on Thursday, urging immediate recognition of Palestine, according to Kyodo news agency.
Tomoko Abe of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, who joined two other opposition lawmakers in delivering the petition, stressed the urgency of the issue, saying, “Israel has no intention of agreeing to a ceasefire, and child hunger cannot be ignored.”
Foreign Minister Iwaya responded that this was something taken seriously since "many signatures were collected," adding that the Ministry would further consider the matter.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba previously headed the nonpartisan group.
Global momentum ahead of UN General Assembly
The move comes as international recognition of Palestinian statehood gains momentum ahead of the UN General Assembly session later this month.
France, the UK, Canada, and Australia have all announced plans to formally recognize Palestine.
Japan has yet to declare its position, though Thursday’s petition increases domestic pressure on Tokyo to align with global efforts.
Separately, Foreign Minister Iwaya held a phone call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, where both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on Middle East issues, Ukraine, and broader global challenges within the G7 framework.
Gaza under ongoing assault
"Israel’s" ongoing military offensive on Gaza has killed more than 64,700 Palestinians since October 2023, leaving the enclave on the brink of famine.
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant over war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.
