French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian stated today, Wednesday, that he hopes the United Nations Security Council will agree on a resolution calling for a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians, and that discussions are underway to persuade Washington. Le Drian informed a parliamentary committee that there is a chance for success but added, "It has not happened yet."
In contrast, the American diplomatic mission to the United Nations stated on Wednesday that Washington "will not support steps that undermine efforts to halt the escalation" in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in response to a French resolution proposal in the Security Council calling for a cessation of hostilities. A spokesperson for the U.S. mission told AFP, "We have been clear that we are focusing on the ongoing intense diplomatic efforts to end the violence, and we will not support steps that we consider undermine efforts to stop the escalation."
On Tuesday, the French presidency called for the United Nations Security Council to issue a resolution demanding an end to fighting between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza. The Élysée issued a statement following talks between President Emmanuel Macron, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Jordanian King Abdullah, stating, "The three countries generally agreed on three simple elements: there must be a ceasefire... it is time for a ceasefire... the UN Security Council should address this issue, and we also requested a vote on a resolution regarding it." The statement added, without going into detail, that the three countries also agreed to launch a humanitarian initiative for civilians in Gaza in cooperation with the United Nations.
