Admission of Palestine to the UN: explanation of vote

ADMISSION OF PALESTINE TO THE UN
EXPLANATION OF VOTE

STATEMENT BY MRS NATHALIE BROADHURST,
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF FRANCE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES

TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL

(TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH)

New York, April 18, 2024

Madam President,

France would like to thank Algeria for tabling this resolution, which it voted in favor of.

It is time to achieve a global political settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, on the basis of the two-state solution, the only option that can respond to the long-term security needs of Israel, as well as the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians for a state. As the President of the Republic recalled, France is not shying away from this issue.

It is in this context, that upon the initiative of Algeria, we are in favor of raising the status of Palestine in the UN and its admission as a full member.

This admission must allow for the resumption of a decisive and irreversible process to implement the two-state solution, and the strengthening of the Palestinian Authority in the Palestinian Territories, both in Gaza and on the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority must be able to effectively and efficiently exercise its responsibilities across all the territories of a future Palestinian state.

The conflict in Gaza, triggered by the terrorist attack by Hamas and other terrorist groups on October 7, which we condemn in the strongest possible terms, shows how essential it is for the Security Council to unequivocally commit to a political solution to the conflict, while also strengthening its humanitarian action.

We therefore continue to demand an immediate and lasting ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

We also continue to demand full and unimpeded humanitarian access for massive shipments of humanitarian aid to bring relief to the civilian populations of Gaza.

We remain convinced of the central role that the Security Council must play. This is why we have proposed a draft resolution that addresses all aspects of the crisis. We will continue to work towards this goal, and call on all members of the Council to support our text.

Thank you.