Japan Becomes Chairman Of The UN Security Council During March 2024, Discusses Peace Development In Conflict Prevention

UN Security Council (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Japan has acted as chairman of the United Nations (UN DK) Security Council and will carry two topics as the main agenda starting March 1. Japanese Ambassador to the United Nations Yamazaki Kazuyuki said the two topics were restrictions on nuclear arms ownership and peace development in the prevention of conflict.

Regarding Gaza, Kazuyuki said the Security Council plans to hold a hearing on March 7 with sessions discussing the Middle East issue. He described the topic of the trial as "an opportunity for the Security Council to discuss issues related to Gaza."

When asked about Israel's violation of International Court (ICJ) resolutions, Kazuyuki said that Japan would not remain silent. However, he warned, "We must refrain from providing specific legal assessments of this case."

He described the incidents that occurred in Gaza as "very tragic" events. However, Kazuyuki said, Israel has the right to protect its people while complying with international rules and international humanitarian law as member countries.

The Japanese Ambassador also said that UN Agency activities for Job and Recovery affairs for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) were very important and "very necessary".

He expressed hope that confidence in UNRWA would be rebuilt as soon as possible. The Israeli military has continued to launch deadly attacks on the Gaza Strip since the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, invaded Israel on October 7, 2023. The Hamas attack, according to Israel, killed nearly 1,200 of its citizens.

Meanwhile, Israeli attacks have killed at least 30,228 Palestinians and injured 71,377 others. Destruction is happening everywhere, and various basic needs are limited.

Israel also carried out a blockade that paralyzed the Gaza Strip. As a result, Gaza's residents, especially those living in the northern part, are on the verge of starvation.

Israel's war has forced 85 percent of Gaza's population to flee amid shortages of food, clean water, and medicines, the United Nations said.

In addition, according to the world agency, 60 percent of infrastructure in Gaza is damaged or destroyed.

At the UN judiciary, namely the International Court (ICJ), Israel was sued for genocide.

The ICJ in January issued a temporary order against the Israeli government to stop committing genocide.

Israel was also ordered to take steps ensuring civilians in Gaza could receive humanitarian assistance.