The conflict between Hamas and other Palestinian militants (hereinafter referred to as "Hamas") and Israel, which escalated due to the attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7 of this year, has persisted for over two months. While a temporary cessation of hostilities is currently in place, concrete steps towards a lasting ceasefire have yet to be taken.

The damage caused by the above conflict is extremely serious. As of December 2, the death toll on the Israeli side has exceeded 1,200 (according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), and in the Gaza Strip, the reported casualties have exceeded 15,000 (as announced by local authorities in Gaza). Gaza's Health Ministry data reveals that more than 6,150 children and 4,000 women as well as at least 198 medical personnel were counted among the casualties in the Gaza Strip as of December 2. In addition, approximately 240 individuals, including around 30 children, who were held hostage by Hamas have not yet all been freed,
although some of them have been released in stages.

Parties involved in a conflict must always adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law. Specific provisions exist to protect children and medical personnel, and there is no justification for the loss of countless lives, including children and medical personnel. The actions taken by both Hamas and Israel violate international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Fukuoka Bar Association hosted the LAWASIA Human Rights Conference in Fukuoka from September 2 to 4, and discussed the role of bar associations in time of armed conflicts on the session titled ""Armed Conflicts and Gross Violation of Human Rights: Bar Associations to Co-work for Victims". Our association cannot remain an idle spectator against this conflict that occurred immediately after the above event.

Fukuoka Bar Association calls for the immediate ceasefire against Israeli and Hamas and the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas, and urges Israel to take immediate action toward permanent ceasefire.

Furthermore, we also call on the Japanese government to continue to persistently and directly approach both sides and to collaborate with the international community in advocating for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and adherence to international humanitarian law and international human rights law by both parties.

December 6, 2023
Masanori Ogami
President of Fukuoka Bar Association

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