For the first time, Japan is providing medical treatment to Palestinians injured in Gaza.
Two female patients, who were previously hospitalized in Egypt, will receive care at the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) Central Hospital in Tokyo.
First Patient Arrives in Japan for Treatment
Defense Minister Gen Nakatani confirmed that the first patient arrived in Japan on Wednesday, March 26, with the second expected in the coming days, according to reports.
Their transfer was arranged at the request of the World Health Organization (WHO) and with cooperation from the Egyptian government.
However, Nakatani emphasized that this effort is strictly for medical assistance and not intended to relocate people from Gaza permanently.
Japan’s Humanitarian Response
In February, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told Japan’s parliament that his government was arranging medical treatment for people injured or sick due to the genocide in Gaza.
Kyodo News reports that this follows the large-scale Israeli attacks on the area, which began after Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023.
Medical Assistance Remains Limited
A Defense Ministry official stated that Japan currently has no plans to accept more patients from Gaza.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Toshihiro Kitamura explained that the two individuals were chosen because their conditions are “expected to improve by undergoing treatment in Japan.”
For now, Japan’s medical assistance remains limited, and there are no official plans to expand the program.
Considering Educational Support for Palestinians
Beyond medical aid, Japan is also looking into additional ways to support Palestinians.
According to TRT Global, Prime Minister Ishiba said the government is exploring initiatives that could allow Palestinian students to study at Japanese universities, though no further details have been provided.
Featured images courtesy of NHK, Japan Times, and OPB
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