Regarding the response to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), to which Japan and other countries have suspended funding, Foreign Minister Kamikawa also took into consideration the interim report that is scheduled to be submitted soon by a third-party verification group independent from the United Nations. However, he indicated that he would consider whether to restart contributions.
Several countries, including Japan, have suspended funding for UNRWA after some of its staff were suspected of being involved in the attack on Israel by the Islamic organization Hamas in October last year.
Currently, a third-party verification group independent from the United Nations is conducting an investigation to evaluate UNRWA's neutrality, and on the 14th, Foreign Minister Kamikawa spoke by phone with former French Foreign Minister Corona, who chairs the group. , conveyed the need to strengthen governance.
At a press conference on the 15th, Minister Kamikawa stated, ``The verification group is scheduled to submit an interim report soon, and we will continue to consider Japan's response with increasing speed.''He also talked about the contents of the interim report. Taking this into account, he indicated that he would consider whether to resume contributions.
Meanwhile, Minister Kamikawa announced that Japan will cooperate with the efforts of the United States, Cyprus, and other countries to bring in food by ship in order to support the residents of the Gaza Strip, which is facing a serious food shortage.