Egyptian, Japanese FMs discuss Gaza crisis in phone call

CAIRO – 4 April 2024: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry received Thursday a phone call from his Japanese counterpart Yoko Kamikawa as they discussed developments in Gaza Strip and joint efforts aimed at attaining a ceasefire and facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid.

Minister Kamikawa informed her Egyptian counterpart that Japan had resumed funding to the UNRWA on April 2 out of faith in the importance of its vital role in alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people in light of the deterioration of humanitarian conditions. The Japanese minister had told press earlier this week that $35 million in financing to the organization were ready for disbursement.  

In turn, Minister Shokry valued the decision made by Japan noting that the move made by a number of countries to suspend funding to the organization without empirical evidence that some of its workers had been implicated in October 7 attack was wrong.

The minister equally reiterated rejection to the attempts of the forced displacement of Gazans and liquidation of the Palestinian Cause as well as to any military land operation in Palestinian Rafah. On her side, the Japanese minister agreed that there would be grave consequences on the humanitarian conditions, if such operation was carried out.

The two ministers agreed on continuous coordination and consultation on the crisis in Gaza. Also, Minister Shokry said he looked forward to holding strategic dialogue between Egypt and Japan soon.