Mr President,
For more than 70 years, UNRWA has played a vital role in providing essential goods and services to Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, but also in the countries hosting them in Lebanon, Jordan and in Syria.
UNRWA is on the front line providing relief to the civilian population of Gaza. France salutes the work accomplished by the Office in extremely difficult conditions. It pays tribute to the 237 UNRWA personnel who have died since October.
France deplores the adoption by the Israeli Parliament of two laws targeting UNRWA. France calls on Israel to respect its international obligations as well as the privileges and immunities of UNRWA.
The implementation of these laws would have dramatic consequences on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, already catastrophic, and throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories. It would deprive hundreds of thousands of civilians of essential assistance in terms of shelter, health care, education and food. Palestinian refugees have the right to education and health.
France reaffirms its support for UNRWA. It will continue to ensure that the reforms necessary for the neutrality of its action and the recommendations of the Colonna report are implemented. It supports all United Nations agencies engaged on the ground in support of the Palestinian population.
In the immediate term, priority must be given to implementing an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. All hostages must be released without delay. Obstacles to humanitarian aid must be removed. Alongside its partners, France will continue its mobilization in the region and in the Security Council to achieve these objectives.
Thank you.
France
