Madam President,
I thank Messrs. Khiari and Knights for their presentations.
France condemns the attacks carried out by the Houthis against Israel for several weeks. She deplores that despite numerous warnings from this Council, the Houthis, supported by Iran, continue to carry out destabilizing actions by targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and by targeting Israeli territory. with missiles and drones. In doing so, they violate international law, including the resolutions adopted by our Council. In doing so, they demonstrate their desire for escalation, which is not in the interest of the Yemeni people and the peoples of the region. These actions must stop immediately.
France reiterates its attachment to regional stability, the security of Israel, and the importance of avoiding any further escalation.
It underlines the need to respect the principles of distinction and precaution, and to protect United Nations personnel, humanitarian actors and civilians, in accordance with international humanitarian law. The Israeli strike on Sana'a airport on December 26, which injured the UNHAS co-pilot responsible for transporting a United Nations delegation, including the Director General of the WHO, is worrying. France reaffirms its support for the United Nations agencies which are deployed in crisis areas in difficult conditions.
This Council must remain mobilized to put an end to the headlong policy of the Houthis, supported by Iran, both in Yemen, in the Red Sea and against Israel. It must ensure strict compliance with resolutions 2722 and 2739. The Galaxy Leader and its crew must be released without delay. France will continue its commitment within the framework of the European Union defensive operation ASPIDES, following a strictly defensive approach and aimed at de-escalation, in order to restore maritime security and freedom of navigation.
The attacks carried out by the Houthis are a reminder of the need to enforce Resolution 2216. Only a political solution will allow a complete cessation of hostilities and put an end to the suffering of the Yemeni people. France reiterates its full support to the United Nations Special Envoy for the necessary resumption of the peace process.
Thank you.
France
