In a strategic move to preserve its diplomatic ties with the United States and avoid escalating tensions with Israel, Japan has decided to postpone its recognition of a Palestinian state, according to a report by the Asahi newspaper. The decision, attributed to unnamed government sources, comes as several nations, including Britain, France, Canada, and Australia, have announced their intentions to recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly. This collective stance has intensified international pressure on Israel regarding its actions in the region. The U.S. reportedly influenced Japan’s decision through multiple diplomatic channels, while France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had strongly advocated for Japan to support Palestinian statehood. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya stated that the government is conducting a ‘comprehensive assessment’ of the issue, considering the appropriate timing and modalities. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi echoed this sentiment, expressing a ‘grave sense of crisis’ over Israel’s ground assault on Gaza City and warning that the foundations of a two-state solution are at risk. Hayashi urged Israel to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza promptly. Despite voting in favor of a UN declaration advocating for tangible steps toward a two-state solution, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to skip a key UN meeting on the matter. Within the G7, German and Italian officials have cautioned that immediate recognition of Palestine could be ‘counterproductive.’