In response to a request from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the Government of Japan, with a view to addressing the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip, made a cabinet decision on January 23 to provide 29,000 blankets, 8,000 plastic sheets and 20,000 sleeping mats as assistance in kind in accordance with the International Peace Cooperation Law. These goods will be used for the relief activities conducted by UNRWA for the afflicted Palestinians.
Japan has already pledged emergency humanitarian assistance equivalent to 10 million US dollars for the Gaza Strip. In addition to this emergency humanitarian assistance, Japan decided to provide goods Japan has stockpiled, with a view to responding quickly to the needs of the local people.
In an effort to stabilize the situation, Japan will continue to play an active role in close consultation with relevant parties as well as in providing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance for the Gaza Strip. Japan also intends to continue providing utmost assistance for promoting the Middle East peace process in cooperation with the international community.