City officials in Hiroshima are facing pressure to disinvite Israel from the annual commemoration of the atomic bombing in 1945. The event marks the moment the first atomic bomb dropped, killing thousands. Pro-Palestine groups and atomic victims’ organizations are calling for Israel’s exclusion, pointing to the war in Gaza and Russia and Belarus’s recent exclusion.
Hiroshima authorities defend their decision to invite Israel, stating that all countries are welcome, except Russia and Belarus due to the Ukraine invasion. Despite protests, Hiroshima insists on Israel’s participation. The Hiroshima-Palestine Vigil Community opposes Israel’s presence, citing global protests against Israel’s actions.
The city government urged Israel to stop its offensive in the invitation. With 115 countries and the EU expected to attend, concerns arise over a potential double standard. While the Palestine Mission in Tokyo claims their envoy was not invited, Nagasaki is undecided on Israel’s invitation.
As tensions rise, the debate over Israel’s participation in Hiroshima’s memorial event continues, highlighting the complex and sensitive nature of diplomatic relations in a global context.