France condemns the ballistic missile attacks by Iran against Israel

LEBANON – EMERGENCY MEETING

STATEMENT BY MR NICOLAS DE RIVIÈRE
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF FRANCE TO THE UNITED NATIONS

TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL
(TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH)

New York, October 2, 2024

Madam President,

I would like to thank the Secretary-General of the United Nations for his statement. I would like to state once again that he has the full support and confidence of France.

France condemns yesterday’s ballistic missile attacks by Iran against Israel. Committed to Israel’s security, France has mobilised its military capacities in the Middle East to counter the Iranian threat. We call upon Iran to abstain from any action that could lead to further destabilisation and a regional conflagration. We also condemn the terrorist attack on civilians in Jaffa. France reiterates the need to put an end to the military escalation in the region, which is only exacerbating instability and increasing insecurity, and whose civilian populations are the first victims.

The situation in Lebanon is serious: military operations are intensifying, the Israeli army has carried out land incursions in violation of Lebanese sovereignty, and Hezbollah is pursuing its attacks against Israel. As recalled by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, during his visit to Beirut on 30 September, France is opposed to any Israeli ground operation in Lebanon, and calls for a cessation of indiscriminate attacks on civilians. France condemns the Israeli air strikes, which have caused an unacceptable number of civilian casualties, and the attacks by Hezbollah against Israel and its population.

There must be a ceasefire in Lebanon as soon as possible. France urges the parties to take up without delay the appeal and proposals made by the President of the French Republic and the President of the United States, with the support of our partners, with a view to achieving a ceasefire opening the way to a diplomatic resolution of the conflict. It is imperative to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In south Lebanon, the situation is clear: there must be full implementation of Resolution 1701. It is recognised by both Lebanon and Israel as the framework for achieving lasting stability along the Blue Line and providing security guarantees for both countries. Displaced populations must be able to return to their homes in complete safety, both in Israel and in Lebanon.

France reaffirms its commitment to UNIFIL and commends the work of the peacekeepers. With nearly 700 soldiers, France is doing its part. All parties to the conflict must guarantee the protection of the peacekeepers: that is their obligation.

France also reiterates the need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, allowing full humanitarian access to the population, the immediate release of all hostages, and the resumption of negotiations in order to effectively implement the two-state solution.

Civilians must always and everywhere be protected. France recalls the imperative of respect for international humanitarian law.

It is high time for the Security Council to show unity and to speak with one voice in calling for de-escalation in the region. France is pursuing its efforts in this direction, together with its partners.

Thank you.