France voted in favor of the resolution presented on behalf of the Arab group [fr]

Mr. President,

France voted in favor of the resolution presented by Jordan on behalf of the Arab group, because nothing can justify the suffering of civilians. All victims deserve our compassion, all lives are equal and there is no hierarchy between them.

We must work collectively to establish a humanitarian truce, which could eventually lead to a ceasefire, because the situation in Gaza is catastrophic. We must guarantee safe, swift, unhindered and sustainable humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.

This is why President Emmanuel Macron today called for a "humanitarian coalition for Gaza", and France has sent a new aircraft to deliver humanitarian aid for the population of Gaza.

However, France regrets that several essential elements are missing in the text:

First, a condemnation of the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas and other terrorist groups against Israel.

Our Assembly must also call for the release of hostages. Many countries here have already been victims of this kind of blind terrorism. France is one of them.

I would also remind you that Hamas does, in no way, represent these populations. On the contrary, it is a catastrophe for the Palestinians’ aspiration to a State, which it undermines by the abjectness of its actions.

Israel has the right to defend itself, and the duty to do so in respect of international law, in particular international humanitarian law, and therefore to protect civilian populations.

Finally, France stresses that the adoption of this text cannot replace the efforts of the Security Council and the decisions it must now adopt.

Mr. President,

We have the duty to prevent a spillover to the entire region. France is committed to preventing an extension of this conflict.

Finally, we must act in order to recreate the conditions for a political solution, which could meet the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace. The conditions for this lasting peace are well known: they are essential guarantees for Israel’s security and a state for the Palestinians. The only viable solution is a two-state solution.

This is why France voted in favor of the draft resolutions presented by Brazil and the United States to the Security Council. And it is why we hope that the Security Council will reach a just decision as soon as possible, based on our common principles.

Thank you.