Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko said Japan supports the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that Israel shall, in relation to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, comply with international law.
In a statement issued by Minister Kamikawa on Saturday, she said, “While closely communicating with the countries and international organizations concerned, Japan will continue to urge all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and to act in good faith based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”
The Japanese minister said Israel must take measures to prevent genocide and its incitement and take measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance. “Japan will persistently and actively continue its diplomatic efforts toward the immediate release of the hostages, the improvement of the humanitarian situation, and calming down the situation as soon as possible.”
The statement noted that, while the ICJ has not made a determination for the present time on whether Israel is in violation of the Genocide Convention, it indicates that the order of provisional measures of the ICJ, the principal international judicial organ of the United Nations, is legally binding on the parties to the dispute and to be observed in good faith.
“The ICJ has referred to compliance with international humanitarian law and the release of the hostages. Japan also has unequivocally condemned the terror attacks by Hamas and others, urged the immediate release of the hostages, and urged Israel to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, in exercising its right to defend itself and its people.”
“As a country that attaches great importance to the rule of law in the international community, Japan avails this opportunity to reiterate its support for the ICJ’s role in this regard, Kamikawa said.
On Dec. 29, 2023, South Africa filed an application instituting proceedings against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), requesting therein the indication of provisional measures. On Jan. 26, the ICJ delivered its order on the provisional measures, considering the request from South Africa.