The city of Hiroshima in western Japan has called on Israel to halt its offensive in Gaza in invitations to attend the annual peace ceremony on August 6, marking the atomic bombing of the city. The letters to Israeli President Isaac Herzog and the ambassador of Israel to Japan express deep regret over the loss of lives in the conflict.
Despite criticism for inviting Israel while barring Russia and Belarus due to the Ukraine invasion, Hiroshima officials clarified that they do not condone the offensive in Gaza. Japan has joined other countries in urging for an immediate cease-fire in the region.
The invitations from Hiroshima urge Israel to listen to the voices of atomic bomb survivors advocating for peace and nuclear disarmament. The cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, both targets of atomic bombings in 1945, annually host ceremonies to remember the victims and advocate for a world free of nuclear weapons.
While Nagasaki is yet to decide on participation from Russia, Belarus, and Israel for its ceremony on August 9, Hiroshima’s message to Israel emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the pursuit of peace.
© KYODO