By Riyaz ul Khaliq
ISTANBUL (AA) – In rare comments of concern, Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito has said he felt "extreme" pain seeing children victims during the conflict in the Palestinian-besieged enclave of Gaza.
"My heart ached in the extreme" after many children fell victim during the war in Gaza, the Japanese crown prince said.
Around 6,150 children were killed in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza since Oct. 07.
Fumihito made the comments during a conversation with journalists earlier this week but was publicized on Thursday when he marked his 58th birthday.
According to Tokyo-based Kyodo News, reporters asked Fumihito about "notable" events of the past year.
The crown prince "lamented Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the conflict between the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel in Gaza."
Israel launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.
It has since killed over 15,000 people, including 6,150 children and 4,000 women, according to health authorities in the enclave.
The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.
Ismail al-Thawabta, head of the Gaza media office, told Anadolu on Wednesday: "There are about 6,500 missing individuals, including more than 4,700 children and women, either under the rubble or their fate is still unknown."
While Japan has strongly criticized Hamas, Tokyo has, however, pledged to provide around $75 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.