September 12, 2025

Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair Tamura Tomoko, at a press conference in the Diet building on September 11, stated that Israel’s attack on the Qatari capital of Doha two days earlier was “an act of barbarism that violates Qatar’s sovereignty,” and added, “I firmly condemn Israel’s repeated blatant violations of international law.”

Tamura said, “Qatar is a leading mediator in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Attacking this county will never bring about a ceasefire but further escalate the fighting,” and underlined the need to strengthen international sanctions against Israel.

Since freezing the assets of Jewish settlers last July, the Japanese government has not imposed any sanctions on Israel. Regarding this stance, the JCP chair stated, “Japan should immediately impose economic sanctions and, like many other nations, should recognize a Palestinian state without delay.”

She said, “The footage shared on social media every day from journalists in Gaza are heart-wrenching.” She continued, “Children are being sacrificed, families are being torn apart, homes are being destroyed, even the tents where people seek refuge are being bombed. Food and water are in critically short supply, but Israel attacks civilian boats trying to deliver aid to Gaza. What will the Japanese government do to stop this catastrophe!”

The JCP has been demanding that the Japanese government recognize Palestine as a state and take concrete actions, including imposing sanctions on Israel.