Mr. President,
France condemned in the strongest possible terms the heinous anti-Semitic terrorist attack that has plunged Australia into mourning. Nothing can ever justify such violence, and we offer our condolences to the victims, their loved ones, and to the Australian people.
Mr. President,
We thank Deputy Special Coordinator Mr. Ramiz Alakbarov for his briefing.
One month ago, the Council adopted resolution 2803 aimed at implementing the peace plan for Gaza presented by President Trump. This resolution endorsed the progress made in recent months, thanks in particular to the efforts of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey: a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the resumption, still insufficient, of humanitarian aid.
This is a first step that must be fully consolidated. The ceasefire must be fully respected by all parties, and the United Nations and its partners must ensure the delivery of massive humanitarian aid throughout Gaza. The body of the last hostage, Ran Gvili, must be returned. There is also an urgent need to deploy the International Stabilization Force, disarm Hamas, and withdraw Israeli forces. At the same time, the establishment of a transitional governance in Gaza must lead to the return of a reformed Palestinian Authority. France intends to contribute fully to these efforts.
At the same time, the situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is seriously deteriorating, marked by an alarming intensification of violence. France reiterates that the future of Gaza and that of the West Bank are interconnected. The violence in the West Bank is jeopardizing the prospects for lasting peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis, the success of the Gaza Peace Plan, and regional stability.
Mr. President,
I would like to highlight five worrying developments currently underway in the West Bank:
First of all, Israeli military operations are intensifying, with the launch of a large-scale operation in the north, leading to the forced displacement of populations, particularly in refugee camps, and human rights violations. The summary execution of two unarmed Palestinians by Israeli border guards in Jenin is a tragic illustration of this violence. This incident must be fully investigated.
Secondly, the massive increase in settler violence against Palestinian civilians is spreading terror and undermining stability in the West Bank, as well as the prospect of comprehensive peace and security. France calls on Israel to protect the Palestinian population and to punish the perpetrators of the violence.
Thirdly, the Israeli government’s recent approval of 19 new settlements and the E1 settlement project constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and undermines the two-state solution. We reiterate our condemnation of settlement activity and our opposition to any form of annexation of the West Bank, whether partial, total or de facto.
Fourth, the ongoing threats against the work of UNRWA are unacceptable, including the raid of its premises in East Jerusalem in violation of the status of UN premises. Any further obstruction of the work of UNRWA, which plays a central role for the Palestinian people, would be contrary to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of October 22, 2025. We call on Israel to lift all obstacles to humanitarian aid and to cooperate with UN agencies, in accordance with this advisory opinion, including by opening all crossing points and by ceasing to arbitrarily refuse goods essential for the survival of the population delivered by the United Nations.
Fifthly, the Israeli government’s persistent refusal to transfer tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority and to sustainably renew the banking correspondence system is unjustifiable. The weakening of the Palestinian Authority undermines its ability to carry out reforms and assume its responsibilities in Gaza, as provided for in resolution 2803. Its financial collapse would seriously undermine regional stability and the very security of Israel.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, France reaffirms its commitment to the two-State solution, with a State of Palestine living in peace and security alongside Israel. That is the only credible prospect for peace and security for all in the region, in accordance with the New York Declaration adopted in September by a very large majority of the General Assembly.
Thank you.