Nagasaki Mayor Stands Firm on Excluding Israeli Ambassador from Atomic Bombing Ceremony

Nagasaki's mayor upholds a decision to exclude Israel's ambassador from the city's atomic bombing anniversary, prompting senior diplomats from the U.S. and other G7 nations to consider skipping the event. The exclusion coincides with ongoing conflicts in Gaza, drawing varied diplomatic reactions.

Nagasaki's mayor has reaffirmed his decision to exclude Israel's ambassador from the city's event commemorating the atomic bombing, despite senior diplomats from the U.S. and other G7 nations expressing concerns and potentially boycotting the ceremony.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to attend the annual event, which is generally less prominent than Hiroshima's observance three days earlier. Mayor Shiro Suzuki clarified that the exclusion was not politically motivated but aimed at maintaining a calm and solemn ceremony. Israel joins Russia and Belarus on the list of uninvited nations, although Israeli Ambassador Gilad Cohen did attend Hiroshima's ceremony this year.

The mayor's stance comes amid Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties. The decision has triggered criticism from U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, who highlighted the moral differences between Israel's self-defense and Russia's actions in Ukraine. Japan's chief government spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi, declined to comment, and Israel's embassy has yet to respond. Previously, G7 ambassadors sent a letter expressing concern over Israel's exclusion, urging restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East while supporting Israel.

(With inputs from agencies.)