As Hiroshima commemorated the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing by the United States, Mayor Kazumi Matsui called for a global shift away from nuclear weapons amidst current conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Matsui emphasized the importance of unity, trust, and dialogue to move towards nuclear disarmament.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida echoed these sentiments, highlighting the urgency to work towards a world without nuclear weapons. The ceremony, attended by thousands, observed a moment of silence at the exact time of the bombing in 1945, which claimed 140,000 lives.
Notably, Hiroshima invited Israel, criticized for its nuclear capabilities, to the ceremony, while Russia and Belarus were excluded for their actions in Ukraine. The event also drew attention to the stalled Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty Review Conference.
The call for global condemnation of nuclear threats and new disarmament solutions resonated throughout the ceremony, underscoring the need for world leaders to visit Hiroshima and advocate for nuclear abolition.
Despite challenges, the legacy of the hibakusha, survivors of the bombings, prevails as a reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear warfare.
© KYODO
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