November 25, 2024
Madam President,
There is an urgent need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. France will continue to work towards that end.
France calls on Israel to ensure the protection of all civilians and all civilian infrastructure. Any forced displacement of population represents a grave violation of international law. The obstacles put up for the delivery of humanitarian aid to northern Gaza must be lifted immediately. All crossing points must be opened and the necessary aid delivered to the civilian populations throughout the Gaza Strip. In the face of the absolute humanitarian emergency, the United Nations agencies play an essential role, first and foremost UNRWA.
France has condemned the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023. It recalls its unwavering commitment to Israel’s security, and continues to demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
The resolutions of the Security Council must be fully implemented. It is also important to work towards a two-state solution on the bases of agreed parameters. Security guarantees are necessary for the Israelis. We must work towards the creation of an independent, viable and contiguous state for the Palestinians. The Security Council must be fully committed to achieve these objectives.
In Lebanon, the war must end as soon as possible. The solution is clear: full implementation of Resolution 1701, which has been insufficiently implemented since 2006. This is the framework recognized by all, and it is more relevant than ever.
We have to ensure that Resolution 1701 is respected by all. In this respect, UNIFIL plays a key role. Its action must be made more robust, while remaining within the framework of its mandate. France condemns all attacks against the security of UNIFIL. UNIFIL must be able to exercise its freedom of movement in order to implement its mandate.
Finally, the Lebanese government must continue to deploy its armed forces in the south of the Litani River. The Paris conference on October 24 raised $200 million for this purpose, in addition to $800 million for humanitarian aid.
It is in this spirit that France will remain fully committed and is actively pursuing its contacts with the various players to achieve a ceasefire and lasting stability along the Blue Line.
Thank you.