Foreign Minister Kamikawa spoke by telephone with Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen and expressed his hope for an early calming of the situation, saying, "Brutal and indiscriminate attacks cannot be justified, and it is natural that Israel has the right to defend itself in accordance with international law."
Foreign Minister Kamikawa, who is visiting Southeast Asia, held a telephone talk with Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen at a hotel in Thailand in the early morning of March 13, Japan time.
"I resolutely condemn terrorist attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups," Minister Kamikawa said, "Brutal and indiscriminate attacks cannot be justified, and it is natural that Israel has the right to defend itself and its people in accordance with international law."
On top of that, they expressed their expectation for an early de-escalation of the situation, and the two foreign ministers shared the view that they would communicate closely for regional stability.
Minister Kamikawa asked for cooperation in ensuring the safety of Japan people in Israel, to which Foreign Minister Cohen replied, "We are ready to provide the necessary assistance."
Prior to this meeting, Minister Kamikawa also held a telephone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shukri.
Egypt has previously had influence in the Middle East, including brokering a ceasefire between Israeli and Palestinian armed groups, and the two ministers confirmed that they will work together to calm the situation.