In response to criticism that the Japanese government demanded 30,000 yen (approximately 270,000 won) after evacuating its citizens from Israel, which is in conflict with the Palestinian armed faction Hamas, the government expressed its stance that it was appropriate. Previously, Japanese people on board a Korean transport plane were evacuated ‘free of charge’, but Japanese people on a Japanese charter plane escaped at a cost, raising criticism in Japan.
According to local private TBS and Jiji News Agency on the 16th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a regular press conference this morning, “There was a difference in treatment between Korea and Israel regarding evacuation costs, and the (Japanese) government’s response was appropriate.” When asked, “What do you think?” he answered, “I think it is appropriate.”
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno said, “There are currently a small number of Japanese people staying in the Gaza Strip in Palestine,” and “we are in contact with everyone.” He explained that there were no reports of damage. At the same time, he emphasized, “We will cooperate with relevant countries and agencies and do our best to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
Previously, the Japanese government dispatched a charter flight for its citizens in Israel. However, a fee of 30,000 yen was demanded from the eight people who used the chartered plane. Even worse, the destination was Dubai, United Arab Emirates, not Japan, and each person was asked to secure their own means of transportation to the final destination.
Meanwhile, the KC-330 (Cygnus) military transport aircraft dispatched to Israel by the Korean government arrived at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, on the night of the 14th. In addition to 163 Korean citizens, 51 Japanese and 6 Singaporeans were on board the plane. The government helped them escape Israel on humanitarian grounds.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa expressed her gratitude in a phone call with Foreign Minister Park Jin on the morning of the 15th, saying, “I am honestly grateful from the bottom of my heart for the support I received from the Korean government.”
Jo Yoo-kyung,
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.