Israel has announced its intention to attend the annual peace ceremony in Hiroshima, commemorating the atomic bomb attack on the city on Aug. 6. This brings the total number of countries participating to a record high of 115. The invitation to Israel included a call for an immediate cease-fire in the conflict in the Palestinian territory.
Among the nuclear powers attending are Britain and France, with arrangements being made for the United States. However, China has not responded. India, a non-signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, will participate, while Pakistan and North Korea have not responded.
The Hiroshima city government has faced criticism for barring Russia and Belarus from the ceremony for three years due to the invasion of Ukraine. They are hopeful that Israel will attend after considering their thoughts. Meanwhile, Nagasaki has yet to invite Israel to its ceremony on Aug. 9.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the first cities to face atomic bombings in 1945, host these ceremonies each year to pray for the victims and advocate against nuclear weapons.
© KYODO