EXPLANATION OF VOTE ON THE RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A CEASEFIRE IN GAZA
STATEMENT BY MR NICOLAS DE RIVIÈRE,
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF FRANCE TO THE UNITED NATIONS
TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL
(translation from French)
New York, February 20, 2024
Madam President,
France thanks Algeria for drafting this resolution.
We regret that it could not be adopted, given the disastrous situation on the ground.
The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, explicitly requested by resolutions 2712 and 2720, as well as by the draft that was just rejected, must take place without further delay.
There is an urgency to conclude an agreement on a ceasefire that will finally guarantee the protection of all civilians and the massive and unhindered delivery of emergency aid. The human toll and the humanitarian situation in Gaza are intolerable, and Israeli operations must stop. It is urgent to massively deliver humanitarian aid to the population of Gaza.
It is imperative to open the Ashdod port, a land path directly from Jordan, and all crossing points.
It is unacceptable that this Council still has not condemned the terrorist acts committed by Hamas and other terrorist groups on October 7, as well as the sexual violence used as a weapon of war by these terrorists. France deplores this and calls upon the Council to rapidly put an end to this guilty ambiguity.
It reiterates its unwavering attachment to Israel’s security and its solidarity with the Israeli people in the wake of these terrorist attacks.
France will remain resolutely committed to the full mobilization of this Council on every aspect of the crisis: security, humanitarian and political.
France reiterates that only a two-state solution can meet the needs for security of Israel and the Israeli people, as well as the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians for a state. It requires the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel.
Thank you.
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