Lebanon Address by Jean-Noël Barrot Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs at the Security Council (25 september 24)

President,

I decided to call this emergency meeting on behalf of France.
The situation in Lebanon today threatens to reach a tipping point. We are now beyond escalation.

Israeli strikes have killed too many people, and Hizbullah continues to target population centres in Israel. Since the beginning of the war, Israeli strikes have already killed hundreds of civilians, including dozens of children. That is not acceptable and I wish to extend my total solidarity to Lebanon's people, on France's behalf.

I want to reiterate that compliance with international humanitarian law is not optional. Civilians, be they Lebanese or Israeli, must never be targets.
Today, the tensions between Hizbullah and Israel could drag the region into a wider conflict. The consequences would be unimaginable. Lebanon, which is already considerably weakened, would not recover from such a war. It is therefore urgent for all actors involved to determinedly take the path of de-escalation. They also need to fully implement our Council's Resolution 1701. That is the framework set by the Council and approved by the parties. The objective is clear: the end of hostilities along the Blue Line. Attacks from both sides must therefore cease. France is committed to the security of both Lebanon and Israel.
I would like to commend the crucial contribution of the Blue Helmets engaged within UNIFIL. Their role is essential. With a contingent of almost 700, France contributes fully. And I will recall that the protection of the Blue Helmets is also an obligation for all parties to a conflict. France is committed to this, and committed to averting a regional war.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Let us seize the opportunity of having so many leaders in New York this week to impose a diplomatic solution and break the cycle of violence.
War is not inevitable. A diplomatic solution is possible.

In recent days, we have worked with our American partners on a platform for a temporary, 21-day ceasefire to make space for negotiations. This platform will be made public very shortly and we are counting on both parties to accept it without delay, in order to protect civilian populations and enable diplomatic negotiations to begin.

We have worked with the parties to define the parameters for a diplomatic crisis exit on the basis of Resolution 1701.

It is a challenging path but it is a possible path.

I repeat: war is not inevitable.

We are totally committed in our work to avert it, and I will be in Beirut later this week to work on this with the actors concerned.

Thank you.

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