France is very concerned about the continued undermining of the two-state solution [fr]

Madam President,

I welcome your presence here today, and I thank the Special Coordinator, as well as Mr. Bromberg and Ms. Majdalani for their statements.

It is the responsibility of this Council to work for the preservation of the two-state solution, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. This solution has been defined by this Council. It is the only solution that can meet the legitimate aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian people, guarantee the security of all and allow for a just and lasting peace.

The parameters of this solution are well known. They must be implemented through negotiations between the parties on all final status issues. This is the condition for Israelis and Palestinians to provide just responses to the challenges they face together.

France is very concerned about the continued undermining of the two-state solution, particularly as a result of the continued settlement activity. We strongly condemn the new plans adopted on January 17, in particular the so-called Lower Aqueduct project. By creating hundreds of new housing units east of the Green Line, especially in East Jerusalem between Givat HaMatos and Har Homa, this project threatens the geographic contiguity of a future Palestinian state. It contributes to sealing the belt of settlements separating East Jerusalem from Bethlehem.

We call on the Israeli authorities to reverse their decision and permanently suspend plans for a new settlement in Atarot and for the expansion of the E1 area.

The recent measures announced following the meeting between Minister Gantz and President Abbas are welcome and we applaud them. However, they must be accompanied by a freeze on unilateral measures.

Along with its European partners, France remains concerned about the record increase in settler violence, demolitions and evictions, particularly in East Jerusalem. We condemn the recent demolitions and evictions in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. We call on the Israeli authorities to stop demolitions in East Jerusalem and Area C.

France remains concerned about the continuing tensions on the ground and the fragility of the cessation of hostilities in Gaza. It is imperative that the necessary aid and medical equipment enter Gaza, while ensuring that they reach their beneficiaries. France reiterates its full support for the work of UNRWA.

Israel must ensure the protection of all civilians, including Palestinians, under international law. It must ensure that investigations are carried out and that those responsible for crimes are brought to justice.

France is also concerned about the shrinking space in which civil society operates. The designation of six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist organizations is of great concern. In the absence of evidence to support the allegations of embezzlement and involvement in or support for terrorist activity, France will continue to support these organizations.

We are concerned by the abuses in the area of respect for human rights and freedoms in the Palestinian territories. We call for the ongoing investigation into the death in custody of Nizar Banat to be completed. We reiterate our call to the Palestinian Authority to renew the democratic legitimacy of its institutions, including through the holding of general elections. Strong democratic institutions, based on respect for the rule of law, are indispensable for a viable Palestinian State.

In this context, France calls on this Council to work to revive a political process that has been stalled since 2014. It is essential to recreate a political horizon to halt the current deleterious dynamic to prevent a new cycle of violence. France will continue to work in this direction, in particular with Germany, Egypt and Jordan.

I thank you.