Human Rights Watch (HRW) has hailed Japan’s decision to facilitate some medical evacuations and take in students from Gaza but said Tokyo should press the Israeli government to end the ongoing and grave violations in the Palestinian enclave, according to Al Jazeera.

“Despite the current ceasefire, the situation in Gaza remains dire,” Teppei Kasai, the programme officer at HRW’s Asia Division, was quoted as saying.

“Japan should press the Israeli government to lift the unlawful blockade, ensure the free flow of humanitarian aid, fully restore basic services like electricity and water, and facilitate the rebuilding of infrastructure, homes, schools and hospitals,” the HRW official said.

He added: “Japan should also support accountability efforts by supporting the International Criminal Court and executing its warrants, and by pressing Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice’s binding orders in the genocide case brought by South Africa.”

The HRW official also called on Japan to “seek assurances that Israel will allow Palestinians who go to Japan for treatment or education to return to Gaza”.