Statement by IWAYA Takeshi Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Ministerial Meeting in Support of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)

Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Statement by IWAYA Takeshi Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Ministerial Meeting in Support of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

[Place]

[Date] September 25, 2025

[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

[Notes]

[Full text]

Co-chairs,

The issue of Palestine refugees is of vital importance to the peace and stability of the Middle East, and UNRWA plays an indispensable role in supporting the refugees.

Japan has been supporting UNRWA for more than 70 years. Japan also encourages UNRWA's current efforts to improve its governance.

The current catastrophic situation in Gaza, including the outbreak of famine, is utterly unacceptable.

Furthermore, humanitarian support must not be politicized, and the environment enabling humanitarian assistance must be ensured in a sustainable manner. Japan has been strongly urging Israel to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza immediately.

In closing, with a close collaboration with the international community, Japan is determined to make utmost efforts to support Palestine refugees through assisting UNRWA's activities. Thank you.