Gaza : France welcomes the adoption of Resolution 2728 [fr]
EXPLANATION OF VOTE
STATEMENT BY M. NICOLAS DE RIVIERE,
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF FRANCE TO THE UNITED NATIONS
TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL
(translation from French)
New York, March 25, 2024
Mr. President,
France welcomes the adoption of Resolution 2728.
More than five months after the start of the crisis in Gaza, caused by the terrorist attack conducted by Hamas, it was high time for the Security Council to finally act.
It was high time for it to establish a ceasefire. It was high time for it to demand the release of the hostages. It was high time for it to call for full humanitarian access and massive aid at a time when famine is raging in Gaza.
The adoption of this resolution demonstrates that the Security Council can still act, when all its members make the necessary efforts to fulfill its mandate. In this regard, I would like to personally commend the role of the Permanent Representative of the United States. The Security Council’s silence on Gaza was becoming loud. It is high time for the Council to contribute to finding a way out of the crisis.
Unfortunately, the crisis is not over yet, and our Council will have to remain mobilized and immediately get back to work.
After Ramadan, which ends in two weeks’ time, it will have to establish a permanent ceasefire. It will have to work for the recovery and stabilization of Gaza. Finally, and above all, the Security Council will have to get the political process back on track, with the aim of establishing a two-state solution, the only way to guarantee peace.
Our Council cannot, of course, take the place of the parties, but its role will be pivotal. France will shoulder its responsibilities and propose an initiative to the Security Council in the coming days.
Thank you.