February 15, 2024

Japanese Communist Party Chair Tamura Tomoko on February 14 commented on Israel’s threat to launch a full-scale offensive on Rafah, the southernmost town in Gaza, Palestine.

At a press conference in the Diet building, Tamura demanded that Israel stop all military operations in Gaza and comply with the International Court of Justice’s ruling ordering Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza.

Tamura pointed out that at the UN General Assembly on December 12, 2023, the Japanese government voted for a resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. She said that the urgent need now is for the Japanese government to take a serious step toward the implementation of this resolution.

Tamura referred to the Japanese government’s decision to suspend funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) based on information that some UNRWA staff were allegedly involved in the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7 of last year.

Tamura pointed out that the UN already began its investigation into the allegation. She said, “The Hamas terrorist act was unacceptable. However, it should not be used as an excuse to put Palestinian refugees’ lives and livelihoods at risk. UNRWA’s provision of essential services is a lifeline for Palestinian refugees.” She demanded that Japan reinstate its financial support to UNRWA.

Past related article:
> JCP welcomes the adoption of the UNGA resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza [December 14, 2023]