Japan Imposes Sanctions on Hamas-Linked Individuals and Company

Japan has imposed sanctions on nine individuals and a company for their alleged links to Hamas, freezing their assets. This move follows similar sanctions imposed by the United States earlier this month. Japan has been trying to balance its relations with the US, its closest ally, and its ties to energy-supplying partners in the Middle East. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has condemned Hamas's attacks on Israel, called for the release of captives, and expressed concern about civilian deaths and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Japan abstained from voting on a UN resolution for an immediate humanitarian truce, citing the resolution's failure to explicitly condemn Hamas.