Rafah: It is high time for the Security Council to adopt a new resolution [fr]

Good afternoon,

As you know the Security Council will hold at 3.30 pm an emergency session to discuss the latest developments in Rafah and in Gaza.

I think this meeting is necessary and timely. France pushed a lot to have this exchange.

I will have 3 points today.

First, as President Macron recalled yesterday, there must be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of the hostages. There is no safe zone for Palestinian civilians in Rafah.

President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his indignation at the Israeli strikes which have claimed many victims among the displaced persons in Rafah yesterday. Another strike against a camp killed civilians this morning as well. These Israeli operations must stop immediately, as requested by the International Court of Justice. At the same time, we also call on Palestinian armed groups to cease their rocket attacks on Israel.

My second point is on the humanitarian situation: aid must enter Rafah on a massive scale, through as many crossing points as possible. The needs are huge, and the UN has warned us clear against the difficulties of access. The distribution of aid via land routes must be the priority, even if the operationalization of the maritime corridor is good news.

Finally, the Security Council must fulfill its mandate and take action now. It must allow the UN to play its full role in the Gaza Strip, in order to cover the immediate needs of the population. It must enable the Palestinians to govern the Gaza strip that will be an integral part of their State. Otherwise, we will continue to go from one crisis to the other. France will remain committed to building a state for the Palestinians and security guarantees for Israel.

It is high time for this Council to take action and to adopt a new resolution.

Thank you.