Today's Date:

France voted in favor of the resolution which has just been adopted because it seemed essential to us that the Security Council react quickly and resolutely in the face of the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza. It was necessary for the Council to appeal for reason and restraint as the European Union and the UN secretary-general had already done.

France is astonished at the violence of the last few days, and expresses all its sympathy to the civilians affected by the Israeli military operations.

France, like the European Union, has condemned the large-scale demolition of Palestinian houses in Rafah and considers it disproportionate, contrary to international law and to Israel’s obligations under the road map; these obligations were specifically reaffirmed by the Quartet on May 4, here in New York. Also, France expects the Palestinian Authority to take more determined action to promote security, and in particular to fight terrorism.

The destruction of houses and military operations have to stop at once. It is urgent to implement a cease-fire including all the parties and all the groups, and for the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel to comply immediately with their obligations in the framework of the road map./.