Japan Holds Off Recognising Palestinian State for Now

File Photo

Japan will not recognise a Palestinian state at this month’s UN meetings, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced on Friday.

He stressed, however, that for Tokyo— which supports a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians— the question is not whether to recognise a Palestinian state, but when.

“I am aware that calls for recognition are growing both internationally and within Japan,” Iwaya said at a press conference. “But the government has a responsibility to carefully consider what will truly lead to a two-state solution and to direct diplomatic efforts in that direction.”

Several US allies are preparing to extend recognition as world leaders gather at the UN General Assembly in New York next week, aiming to pressure Israel to allow greater aid into Gaza and work towards lasting peace.

Iwaya noted that Japan does not condone Israel’s unilateral actions, such as the expansion of military operations in Gaza, and warned that Tokyo would respond if Israel takes further steps that undermine the path to a two-state solution.

Asked whether Japan might impose sanctions on Israeli ministers over the Gaza conflict, he said no options would be excluded— including possible recognition of a Palestinian state— as the government weighs its next moves.