Japan Condemns Clashes in Gaza

Palestinian protestors waves their national flag during a demonstration commemorating Land Day, near the border with Israel, east of Gaza City, on March 30, 2018 – Afp photo.

Tokyo, MINA – Japan condemned recent violent clashes in the Gaza Strip that killed 16 Palestinians during protests, urging all the parties concerned not to escalate the situation KUNA reported.

“We are deeply concerned about the series of clashes which occurred on Friday in Gaza between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli security forces. Violence cannot be justified for any reason, and Japan condemns such acts of violence,”Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Norio Maruyama said in a statement.

Maruyama also extended Japan’s sincere condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and expressed its heartfelt sympathy to those who were injured.

“Japan stresses that all the parties’ concerned need to continue their efforts for achieving peace based on a two-state solution,” the spokesman added.

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According to media reports, in addition to the 16 Palestinians killed, more than 1,400 were injured during the rallies in several locations in the Gaza strip.

Friday marked the 42nd anniversary of Land Day, a commemoration of the murder of six Palestinians by Israeli forces in 1976, who were demonstrating land confiscations in northern Israel. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)