Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko has called on Iran to play a role in calming the situation surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Kamikawa spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian over the phone on Tuesday afternoon.

Iran has been a supporter of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and is at odds with Israel.

Kamikawa said she unequivocally condemns the recent terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants. The minister said she is deeply saddened by the deaths of so many innocent civilians.

She said it is important that the civilians being held hostage be released as soon as possible, and that the situation be de-escalated.

The two ministers agreed on the importance of working together to improve access for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, and the vital role the international community must play in providing assistance.