UK, Canada, and France Warn Israel — Time for Japan to Raise Its Voice
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has openly stated his intention to further expand military operations in Gaza. Despite the reality on the ground — countless civilian casualties and attacks on shelters and medical facilities — he maintains a hardline stance.
But now, the United Kingdom, Canada, and France have issued a clear warning to Israel. They are calling for an end to the military campaign and have suggested they may take concrete action if Israel does not comply. This marks what seems to be a long-overdue recognition by the international community that a red line has been crossed.
Immediately following this, Israel announced the entry of humanitarian aid for the first time in 11 weeks — five trucks. Just five, for nearly two million people struggling with extreme shortages of water, food, and medicine. The United Nations called it “a drop in the ocean.” That phrase is not a metaphor; it’s a brutal understatement.
Can offering such minimal aid be considered a sign of humanitarian concern? Or is it simply a token gesture — a box checked for appearances' sake? And can Japan remain silent in the face of that? This is not about geopolitical calculations. It is about humanity. Even if the Japanese government cannot break free of the grip of global power dynamics, we as citizens must not be bound by them.
Once, Japan had a diplomat named Chiune Sugihara. He defied the instructions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue visas to Jews fleeing the Nazis, saving thousands of lives. The descendants of those saved now live in modern-day Israel. So what should we — living in Sugihara’s country — be saying today?
This is not about condemnation for its own sake. It is about clearly saying “NO” to actions that betray human decency. We must connect the memory of the past with the pain of the present — and raise our voices.
Anger can sometimes dwell in silence. And voices often rise from quiet anger. Now, as the world begins to rediscover its voice, Japan, too, must find the words that lie beyond its silence. Let this voice reach the people of Israel as well.