Hawzah News Agency (Tokyo, Japan) - A statement by Japan's Foreign Press Secretary Norio Maruyama said Japan was "deeply concerned" by the developments at the Gaza border that left at least 16 Palestinians dead and over 1400 injured.

"Japan extends its sincere condolences to the bereaved families of the victims, and expresses its heartfelt sympathy to those who were injured," said the statement.

"Violence cannot be justified for any reason, and Japan condemns such acts of violence. Japan calls on all the parties concerned not to escalate the situation."