France remains deeply concerned by the ongoing crisis in Gaza [fr]

Mr. President,

I would like to thank Mr. Khiari, Mr. Muasher and Mr. Epshtain for their briefings.

France remains deeply concerned by the ongoing crisis in Gaza, which continues to worsen. I would like to stress three points.

Priority must be given to the immediate implementation of a lasting ceasefire, with the help of all regional and international partners. This is what the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, has urged.

We urgently need to deliver more aid to the people who need it more than ever, and to guarantee unrestricted access to this aid. I welcome the commitment of the United Nations, in particular that of UNRWA staff. France calls on Israel to facilitate the delivery of aid throughout the Gaza Strip. The use of all access routes must be facilitated, including through the opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing.

To meet these needs, France supports the United Nations’ call for the opening of useful crossings, including Erez in the north, the Israeli port of Ashdod, and a direct maritime corridor between Gaza and Cyprus.

The two resolutions adopted by this Council in recent weeks must be implemented.

In this regard, France reiterates once again that international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions must be applied in all circumstances and by all. This Council has also expressly recalled this.

France welcomes the appointment of the humanitarian coordinator for Gaza, Ms Sigrid Kaag, and assures her of its full support.

France will continue to play its full part in the humanitarian response plan and to provide humanitarian aid, both financial and material, to the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.

Mr. President,

Responding to the humanitarian emergency is a necessity, but this Council cannot limit itself to dealing only with the symptoms of this crisis.

My second point refers to the attacks of October 7 and their consequences.

All hostages must be released immediately and without conditions, as called for in resolutions 2712 and 2720, as it has already been mentioned.

This Council must condemn the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas and other terrorist groups on October 7, including the sexual violence. It is incomprehensible that this Council has still not been able to do so.

France will continue its action to establish sanctions against Hamas at European level.

Mr. President,

Finally, on the political level, France will continue its commitment to finding a way out of the crisis, based on a two-state solution. This is the only way to build a just and lasting peace.

We must work to build a state for the Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority has a central role to play in this process, both in the West Bank and in Gaza, which will become part of this Palestinian state.

For the time being, it is vital to avoid a regional conflagration, and France is doing its utmost to prevent this. The situation in the West Bank is deteriorating every day. The stability of Lebanon and the region requires full compliance with Resolution 1701 by all parties. France strongly condemns the Houthi attacks against shipping in the Red Sea. It will continue to mobilize to contribute to maritime security in the region and preserve freedom of navigation.

Thank you.