Japanese PM says Palestine state recognition ‘when not if,’ warns of action if Israel blocks 2-state solution

Japan’s prime minister tells the United Nations that Tokyo’s recognition of the State of Palestine is only a question of time, saying he was “indignant” at recent comments by Israeli officials.

Nearly 80 percent of UN members recognize the State of Palestine, with a string of countries including Britain, Canada and France adding their names this week after nearly two years of war in Gaza.

“I feel strongly indignant at the statements made by senior Israeli government officials that appear to categorically reject the very notion of Palestinian state-building,” Shigeru Ishiba says.

“For our country, the question is not whether to recognize a Palestinian state, but when. The continued unilateral actions by the government of Israel can never be accepted,” he says.

“I must state clearly that if further actions are taken that obstruct the realization of a two-state solution, Japan will be compelled to take new measures in response,” he adds.

Ishiba says that the “terror inflicted by Hamas and the devastation in Gaza we are witnessing today have left many feeling deeply saddened.”

“What matters the most is that Palestine can exist in a sustainable manner, living side by side in peace with Israel,” Ishiba says.

“As we invite Palestine to assume its role as a responsible member of the international community, the Palestinian side must establish a system of governance that ensures accountability,” he added.