France calls for permanent ceasefire in Gaza

New York: France announced that it is going to introduce a resolution seeking a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, along with the unconditional release of all hostages. On Monday, France’s permanent representative to the UN, Nicolas de Riviere, informed that their draft resolution deals with pressing matters, Arab News reported.

Arab News reported that it received a copy of the draft resolution.

Riviere said that France condemns the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas on October 7th last year and demands immediate and full humanitarian access. The resolution acknowledges that there is acute food insecurity in Gaza.

The draft calls for the development of a UN role to monitor the ceasefire with the UN Secretary-General. It demanded the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas and other terrorist groups.

The resolution accuses Hamas of sexual violence and the use of rape as a weapon of war. It says that France condemns that also and calls for accountability for such crimes.

Further, the resolution demands the opening of all crossing points into and inside the Palestinian enclave, along with the Ashdod port in Israel and the land route from Jordan to Gaza.

The draft resolution seeks reconstruction, recovery, and governance of Gaza with a sustainable solution. The resolution wanted effective control by the Palestinian Authority there with contiguity with Jerusalem and the West Bank. France’s draft resolution wanted the international community to support the Palestinian Authority to progressively assume its responsibility in the war-torn land.

Meanwhile, Riviere said that the United Nations Security Council must address the root causes of the conflict in Palestine, while the draft resolution calls for a peaceful solution to it.