Japanese, Portuguese leaders firmly oppose actions that undermine 2-state solution, reoccupation of Gaza

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – Japanese and Portuguese leaders on Thursday voiced firm opposition to actions that undermine a two-state solution as well as the reoccupation of Gaza, expressing concern with the “grave humanitarian crisis” in the besieged enclave.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hosted his Portuguese counterpart Luis Montenegro in Tokyo, where the two leaders issued a joint statement on global and regional issues as well as on the strategic partnership between the two nations.

“The two leaders expressed great concern with the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the prolonged continuation of the conflict that has caused significant loss of lives, including innocent civilians, aid workers, and journalists,” the statement said.

Reaffirming their commitment to supporting the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, or UNRWA, both leaders reiterated their call “for the rapid, unimpeded and large-scale entry of humanitarian aid” to Gaza, according to the statement.

Ishiba and Montenegro “strongly opposed the recent announcement by the Government of Israel to further intensify the military offensive in Gaza City, and expressed grave concern over the worsening humanitarian situation.”

“Japan and Portugal firmly oppose any action that undermines the realization of a two-state solution, including the reoccupation of Gaza and the expansion of settlement activities in the West Bank and East-Jerusalem,” the statement added.

The two leaders also condemned Russia over the war in Ukraine. They expressed solidarity with Ukraine and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Israel's Gaza offensive has killed over 64,000 Palestinians since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.