25 February 2025
Mr. President,
I thank the Special Coordinator and Mr. Daniel Levy for their statements, as well as Ms. Noa Argamni for her testimony.
France was deeply moved to follow the return to Israel of the remains of Ms. Shiri Bibas, her two children, Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz. France extends its sincerest condolences to their families and relatives. We were very shocked to learn that Hamas had initially not returned the body of Ms. Shiri Bibas to her relatives. This is an unspeakable act.
France reaffirms its solidarity with the families of all the hostages. Our thoughts are especially with the relatives of our compatriot Mr. Ohad Yahalomi, who is still being held. We stand by the Israeli people after the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which we have condemned and which constitute the worst anti-Semitic massacre since the Holocaust. France will continue to work tirelessly for the release of all hostages.
France calls on the parties to fully respect and maintain the ceasefire in Gaza. This is essential, after fifteen months of bombings and thousands of civilian victims. The discussions underway on the extension of this ceasefire must be successful. The flow of humanitarian aid must be intensified and displaced persons must be able to return home.
France supports the efforts of the United States, Qatar and Egypt to facilitate the talks. In support of the ceasefire, it has deployed specialized personnel as part of the European assistance mission EUBAM Rafah. Israel must guarantee access to the entire Gaza Strip for humanitarian actors and facilitate their work, in accordance with international law. We reiterate our support for UNRWA and all humanitarian actors.
The situation in the West Bank is very worrying. France calls on the Israeli authorities to show the utmost restraint, to comply with international humanitarian law, and to ensure the protection of the civilian population. The settlements are illegal. They must cease, as must the violence of the settlers.
It is time for this Council to address the future of the Gaza Strip and reconstruction. France condemns any forced displacement of the Palestinian population. It would be contrary to international law and dangerous for the stability of the region. It supports the efforts of Egypt and those of the Arab group to draw up a plan for the day after and the reconstruction of Gaza. The Palestinian Authority must be able to govern in all of the Palestinian Territories. Hamas cannot be part of the solution.
The future of Gaza cannot be separated from a comprehensive political settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. France reiterates its commitment to the effective implementation of the two-state solution, with security guarantees for both Israelis and Palestinians. Only this prospect can ensure a just and lasting peace. It is with this objective in mind that France will co-chair an international conference with Saudi Arabia in June 2025 for the implementation of the two-state solution, here in New York.
Thank you.