Japan’s Nagasaki Invites Palestine but Not Israel to Annual Peace Ceremony
In a notable move, Nagasaki city officials have decided not to invite the Israeli ambassador to Japan to this year's annual peace ceremony, instead sending a letter to the Israeli embassy calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. This decision comes amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in the region, reflecting the city's sensitive approach to current global issues. Every year on August 9, Nagasaki commemorates the anniversary of the US nuclear attack in 1945, which resulted in the deaths of 74,000 people. This solemn event typically invites representatives from dozens of countries and territories to honor the victims of the atomic bombing. However, Mayor Shiro Suzuki announced on Monday that the invitation to Israel has been put on hold due to the evolving situation in Gaza. The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which escalated nearly eight months ago following a Hamas attack, has significantly impacted the decision. Concerns over potential protests and disrupt...
