“I feel deep outrage at the remarks made by senior Israeli officials that appear to categorically reject the idea of establishing a Palestinian state,” Ishiba said.
“For our country, the issue is not whether to recognize Palestine, but when. Unilateral actions by Israel’s government are absolutely unacceptable.”
He added: “I must clearly state that if further measures are taken to obstruct the two-state solution, Japan will be forced to take new actions in response.”
Ishiba acknowledged that “the terrorism carried out by Hamas and the destruction we see today in Gaza have left many deeply saddened.”
He stressed: “What matters most is that Palestine can survive sustainably and live side by side in peace with Israel.”