Japan holds off on recognising Palestinian state, cites need for comprehensive review
Tokyo: Japan has decided not to recognise a Palestinian state for now, opting instead to continue its review of the issue amid pressure from both allies and international partners.
According to a report in the Asahi Shimbun, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will skip a United Nations General Assembly meeting this month that will focus on Palestinian statehood. The decision, citing unnamed government sources, underscores Japan’s cautious stance.
Japan’s position currently aligns with the United States, which has rejected calls for recognition. This contrasts with several Group of Seven (G7) members, including France, Britain, Canada, and Australia, which have announced plans to recognise Palestine during the UN assembly to step up pressure on Israel. In contrast, Germany and Italy have described immediate recognition as “counterproductive.”
The Asahi report suggested that Japan’s decision was influenced by its efforts to maintain strong ties with the United States and avoid provoking a harder stance from Israel. U.S. officials reportedly urged Tokyo not to proceed with recognition, while France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot lobbied Japan to support the move, Kyodo news agency reported last week.
Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya confirmed on Tuesday that Japan was conducting “a comprehensive assessment, including appropriate timing and modalities, of the issue of recognising Palestinian statehood.” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi echoed this statement on Wednesday when asked about the report.
Despite holding back on recognition, Hayashi voiced grave concern over Israel’s military operations in Gaza, warning that “the very foundations of a two-state solution could be collapsing.” He urged Israel to take steps to end the worsening humanitarian crisis, including famine.
At a UN session last Friday, Japan voted in favour of a declaration calling for “tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps” toward a two-state solution. However, Prime Minister Ishiba is expected to skip the related meeting on September 22 in New York.
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Minor girl kidnapped and raped; main accused and two cafe owners held
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
