August 29, 2024
Mr. President,
I would like to thank Ms Msuya and Mr Ryan for their briefings.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, inexorably. It has become untenable. United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations are no longer in a position to continue their operations. The increasing number of evacuation orders is having disastrous consequences for the population, and further hampers the work of humanitarian actors.
It is imperative, now more than ever, to guarantee full humanitarian access, by all possible means, so that the population can be rescued, as requested by Council Resolutions 2712 and 2720, and as required by international humanitarian law. France condemns the Israeli strikes on a World Food Programme vehicle on August 28, which led to the suspension of this organization’s activities. Israel must implement an effective deconfliction system, via humanitarian pauses, and grant all necessary authorizations to humanitarian programs and agencies. The start of the polio vaccination campaign at the end of August is non-negotiable.
This humanitarian disaster is a daily reminder that this war must stop. The role of this Council is to restore peace and security. The current crisis is the consequence of the fighting. Putting an end to it is the only possible response. France supports the mediation efforts of the United States, Egypt and Qatar, and calls upon the parties to make the necessary compromises to bring about a ceasefire, so that humanitarian aid can flow in on a massive scale, and so that the hostages can be released.
In a context of extreme tension, France condemns any acts of provocation and any unilateral measures, both in Jerusalem and the West Bank. The Israeli authorities have a responsibility to uphold the historic status quo at the Holy Sites, while respecting the specific role of Jordan.
France condemns the settlement policy. This is contrary to international law. It calls upon Israel to take all necessary measures to stop the unacceptable settler attacks on the Palestinian population of the West Bank. France is alarmed by the consequences of Israel’s operation in the north of the West Bank for the Palestinian population and civilian infrastructure.
It reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and its strongest condemnation of the terrorist attacks of October 7. Rocket attacks against Israel must cease.
The current crisis is a reminder of the urgent need to implement the two-state solution, which is the only way to guarantee stability and security for all in the region. Otherwise, the conflict will continue, and this Council will be faced indefinitely with a disaster like the one we are witnessing today. France opposes any Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip.
Faced with rising tensions in the Middle East, this Council must do all it can to avoid a regional conflagration. France is pursuing its efforts in this direction, in coordination with its partners.
Thank you.