Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, on a United Arab Emirates-Drafted UN Security Council Resolution on the Situation in the Middle East

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Gaza: France voted in favor of the resolution for a humanitarian ceasefire

8 December 2023

Mr. President,

France is gravely concerned by the humanitarian tragedy taking place in Gaza. The Secretary-General has raised the alarm, and he was right to do so.

This is the reason why France voted in favor of this resolution. And it is for this reason that we call for a new, immediate and lasting humanitarian truce, that should lead to a permanent ceasefire.

For our part, we do not see any contradiction between the fight against terrorism and the protection of civilians in strict respect for international humanitarian law.

We would have wished that this Council could have finally condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups on October 7.

Unfortunately, the Council has failed once again, through lack of unity and by refusing to genuinely commit to negotiations. In so doing, at a time when the crisis in Gaza is getting worse and threatening to spread, the Council is not fulfilling the fundamental mission entrusted to it by the Charter.

However, France will continue to be resolutely committed to mobilizing the Council fully on all aspects of the crisis: security, humanitarian and, above all, political.

Thank you.

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