Japanese FM urges protection of civilians in Gaza amid rising tensions

All necessary steps must be taken to avert civilian casualties in military operations in Gaza, emphasized Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko during a press conference upon her return from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, United States, on Friday.

"We firmly believe in the imperative release of hostages, adherence to international humanitarian law by all parties, and the implementation of measures to prevent civilian casualties in military operations," stated Minister Kamikawa.

Addressing Israel's intensified attacks on Gaza, Minister Kamikawa expressed deep concern over the rising number of casualties and the deteriorating humanitarian situation.

"We will consistently urge all parties involved to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law," added Kamikawa, underlining their commitment to reducing tensions and maintaining open communication with international organizations.

WHAT HAPPENED

Hamas' military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, announced that they launched a comprehensive attack against Israel called "Al-Aqsa Flood" on the morning of Oct. 7.

While thousands of rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel, armed groups entered the settlements in the region. The Israeli army also launched an attack on the Gaza Strip with dozens of warplanes. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that Israel killed 11,500 people, including 4,506 children, 3,027 women, and 397 elderly people. It injured at least 32,000 people in its attacks on Gaza.

It was reported that 1,400 Israelis, including 324 soldiers, were killed and 5,132 Israelis were wounded in the attacks from Gaza.

The Israeli army hit Damascus and Aleppo airports. As the Middle East is once again turning into a bloodbath, a deadline has been set for nearly 2.5 million Palestinians to leave the blockaded Gaza.

In the occupied West Bank, 106 Palestinians were killed in attacks by Israeli forces and Jewish settlers. In Israel’s attacks on Gaza, 48 journalists were killed.

In the clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah on the Israel-Lebanon border since Oct. 8, 55 Hezbollah members and 4 civilians, one of whom was a journalist, were killed. Three Israeli soldiers and one Israeli civilian were killed in the attacks organized by Lebanon.

Most recently, Israel attacked the Jabalia Refugee Camp in Gaza, killing civilians.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he was breaking off all contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu because of Israeli attacks on civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Source: Anadolu Agency