By maleeha zahid
Copyright dailytimes
Published on: September 17, 2025 2:52 PM
Japan has decided not to recognise a Palestinian state for now, reportedly to maintain its close ties with the United States and avoid worsening Israel’s stance. The decision was revealed by Japanese media on Wednesday, citing government insiders. Several nations, including Britain, France, Canada, and Australia, have already announced their intent to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly this month, increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel.
The United States reportedly urged Japan through multiple diplomatic channels to refrain from recognition, while France pressed Tokyo to join its European allies in taking a strong stance. Last week, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot reportedly pushed Japan to act, reflecting growing frustration among Western nations over the Gaza crisis. Japan’s reluctance highlights the delicate balance it seeks between supporting international peace efforts and preserving its alliance with Washington.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said on Tuesday that Japan was conducting a “comprehensive assessment” regarding the timing and methods for potentially recognising Palestinian statehood. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi repeated the statement on Wednesday when questioned about the report. However, he expressed a “grave sense of crisis” about Israel’s ground assault on Gaza City, warning that the very foundations of a two-state solution could be collapsing if violence continues unchecked.
Hayashi also urged Israel to take “substantive steps” to end the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including famine relief, as quickly as possible. At a United Nations meeting on Friday, Japan joined 142 other nations in voting for a declaration demanding tangible and irreversible steps toward a two-state solution. Despite this, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is reportedly planning to skip a key UN meeting on September 22 that will address the issue.
Within the Group of Seven nations, opinions remain divided. German and Italian officials have described an immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood as “counterproductive,” suggesting that such a move might complicate negotiations or provoke stronger resistance from Israel. Japan’s cautious stance reflects its commitment to diplomacy while highlighting the growing international divisions over how to address the conflict. This development underscores the challenges facing world leaders seeking to revive peace efforts in the Middle East.
