January 3, 2025
Mr. President,
I would like to thank Mr. Türk, Dr. Peeperkorn and Dr. Haj-Hassan for their presentations.
After 14 months of conflict, the Palestinians in Gaza continue to suffer from appalling living conditions, and remain deprived of everything.
France once again calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This is the only way to ensure the protection of the civilian population and the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid.
France demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. France continues to condemn the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023.
Security Council resolutions must be implemented. The extreme gravity of the situation obliges us to do so. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic, particularly in terms of access to healthcare.
France condemns the recent Israeli military operations targeting several hospitals, in particular that of Kamal Adwan. Israel must comply with international humanitarian law. This requires respect for, and protection of, medical staff and infrastructure.
Obstacles to humanitarian aid are serious violations of international humanitarian law. Israel has a duty to allow the delivery of aid. All crossing points must be opened, the safety of convoys and humanitarian staff must be ensured, and restrictions must be lifted. Finally, France reiterates the irreplaceable role of UNRWA in the humanitarian response in Gaza.
This Council must act, both to respond to the emergency and to work towards a political settlement, which requires the effective implementation of the two-state solution. Today, this is threatened by the acceleration of the illegal colonization of the West Bank.
France will play its full part: next June, alongside Saudi Arabia, it will co-chair an international conference on the implementation of the two-state solution.
It will also remain mobilized within the Security Council, to ensure that it contributes to this solution, which is the only one capable of guaranteeing Israel’s security and enabling the Palestinians to build a state.
We look forward to the establishment of a reformed Palestinian Authority, capable of exercising its responsibilities throughout the Palestinian Territories, including the Gaza Strip.
Thank you.