December 18, 2024
Madam President,
I would like to begin by thanking Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari for his presentation, and Ms. Efron and Mr. Levy for their testimony.
It is important for the Security Council to remain active in the face of accelerating Israeli colonization in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, so that its own resolutions on this subject, including resolution 2334, are implemented.
France’s position is well known and consistent: colonization is contrary to international law, and we condemn it. The International Court of Justice, in its advisory opinion of July 19 2024, stated that Israel had an obligation to end its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as soon as possible.
France will never recognize the illegal annexation of territories, nor the legalization of unauthorized outposts. France implements the policy of differentiation, provided for by Resolution 2334 of this Council, which aims to materialize the legal distinction between the internationally recognized territory of Israel and the Occupied Territories.
The settlement policy is a major obstacle to a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. It is also a factor of tension and violence on the ground.
In this respect, the policy of terror pursued by certain Israeli settlers against the Palestinian population in the Occupied Territories must cease. As the occupying power, Israel has a responsibility to take necessary measures in order to protect Palestinian civilians without delay.
In East Jerusalem, the historic status quo of the Holy Sites must be preserved.
In Gaza, the war must end. The suffering of civilians must end. France calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
Madam President,
Our position is equally unambiguous on another important issue: all hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally.
France supports the efforts of Egypt, the United States and Qatar to achieve this.
France once again condemns the barbaric terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas and other terrorist groups on October 7, 2023. This Council must be able to do so unambiguously.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. It is imperative that full and unhindered humanitarian access to and within the Gaza Strip be guaranteed. People must be rescued. At the humanitarian conference held in Cairo on December 2nd, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs announced a further 50 million euros in humanitarian aid, including 20 million euros for UNRWA.
Madam President,
This Council has a responsibility to lay the foundations for a political settlement. As we know, this requires the implementation of the two-state solution.
France reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and to the establishment of a viable, sovereign and contiguous state for the Palestinians. It calls for the establishment of a reformed Palestinian Authority, capable of exercising its responsibilities throughout the Palestinian Territories, including the Gaza Strip.
Only a two-state solution can meet the legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians for peace and security. It is in this spirit that France, alongside Saudi Arabia, will co-chair an international conference next June on the implementation of the two-state solution.
This Council must act, in response to the urgency of the situation and to finally bring about this political solution. The UN must play a central role in this process.
Thank you for your attention.