The local government in Nagasaki province has decided not to invite Israel to its annual conference commemorating the US nuclear bombing of Japan. Mayor Shiro Suzuki stated that Israel would not be invited to the August 9 peace ceremony. This decision comes after Israel assassinated Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
Nagasaki and Hiroshima will mark the 79th anniversary of the 1945 atomic bombing by the US next month. Japan has also refused to invite Russia and Belarus to a similar conference due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Although Hiroshima has invited Tel Aviv to its event on August 6, local authorities have called for an immediate cease-fire in Palestine. This move has sparked criticism and calls for the invitation to be withdrawn.
Protests against Israel’s participation and its ongoing offensive in Gaza have been planned in the lead up to the event. International condemnation has been directed at Israel for its actions, including accusations of genocide and violations of UN resolutions.
Despite these challenges, efforts for peace and justice continue in the region.