JCP condemns US for vetoing UNSC resolution calling for Gaza ceasefire
Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on December 9 issued a statement after the United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Palestine's Gaza Strip. The full text of the document is as follows:
The Japanese Communist Party condemns the United States for vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
December 9, 2023
Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair Shii Kazuo
The United Nations Security Council on December 8 (December 9 JST), at the request of the UN Secretary General, discussed a draft resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The resolution, however, failed to pass as the United States invoked its veto right. It was jointly proposed by almost 100 countries and all other Security Council members, with the exception of the United Kingdom abstaining, voted in favor. The Japanese Communist Party strongly condemns the U.S. for irresponsibly exercising its veto power and undermining the international community's concerted efforts to stop the catastrophic situation in Gaza, which should be described as genocide.
The U.S. has provided Israel with a large amount of advanced bombs, munitions, and other weaponry. Israel is carrying out large-scale offensives against Gaza while enjoying political and military support from the U.S. Hamas' indiscriminate attacks and hostage-taking are in violation of international law and the JCP denounces these illegal acts and demands an immediate release of hostages. This does not justify Israel's massive attacks and the U.S. role in escalating the devastating situation in Gaza.
It is acutely necessary to put a halt to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and there is no time for delay. The JCP urges the Japanese government, which voted in favor of the UNSC resolution, to explicitly criticize Israel for its international law violations and the U.S. for supporting Israel as well as take immediate actions to avert further humanitarian tragedies in Gaza by working together with other countries and international organizations.