Lebanon
Israeli attack on a UNIFIL observation post (October 11, 2024)

France condemns the continued deliberate targeting of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by Israeli forces.

According to provisional estimates, two peacekeepers were injured today in this latest attack, in which Israeli forces fired on a UNIFIL watchtower in Naqoura. One of them is in critical condition.

These attacks are serious violations of international law and must stop immediately. The Israeli authorities must explain themselves. France has therefore summoned the Israeli ambassador to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs today.

France emphasizes that the protection of peacekeepers is incumbent upon everyone. Each of the parties must abide by this obligation and allow UNIFIL to continue carrying out its mandate, which includes respecting its freedom of movement.

We commend all UNIFIL personnel, our French contingent and all the contingents on their continuing commitment and professionalism in difficult circumstances.

France reiterates the urgent need for an immediate and lasting cessation of hostilities and a diplomatic solution based on the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Israel / Palestinian Territories (October 11, 2024)

France utterly condemns the latest Israeli strikes this week that targeted civilian infrastructure where displaced persons had sought shelter, including the Rafidah school, the Ibn Rushd school and a mosque in Deir al-Balah. Over the past several weeks, civilian infrastructure, and particularly schools, have been hit repeatedly. The number of civilian casualties resulting from these attacks is unacceptable.

France also expresses its deep concern over the latest evacuation orders issued by the Israeli army, which affect the entire population of northern Gaza. We reiterate that the forced displacement of civilian populations is a violation of international law.

France calls on Israel to extend permanent protection to all civilians in accordance with its obligations under international law, which all are bound to respect.

France reiterates its call for the immediate, unconditional release of all the hostages held by Hamas and a permanent ceasefire to allow for a massive, unhindered influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

United Nations
International Day of the Girl Child (October 11, 2024)

On this International Day of the Girl Child, which the UN established in 2012, France reaffirms its commitment to gender equality and the universality of women’s and girls’ rights. /

Respecting these rights is vital to a lasting peace and just societies.

Girls’ education and gender equality through education are some of France’s feminist foreign policy and external action priorities. These issues will be central to the upcoming Feminist Foreign Policy Conference, which France will host in 2025.

Girls’ education is fundamental and goes hand in hand with better access to jobs, the equal participation of men and women in economic and civic life, and the rejection of early and forced marriages.

It is now especially threatened, at a time when women’s rights are being eroded around the world, exacerbated by global crises and armed conflicts. Today girls are 2.5 times less likely than boys to get an education,

France reiterates its deep concern over the systematic, systemic violations of women’s and girls’ rights by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Three years after the Taliban seized power by force, women and girls have been erased from Afghan society. France reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the fundamental freedoms of Afghan women and girls and will continue to work with its partners in support of those rights.