ISTANBUL
French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux reiterated on Wednesday France’s plans to contribute to an international stabilization force for the Gaza Strip as part of a US-led ceasefire plan.
“Several states have expressed their readiness to contribute to this stabilization force, a force that would support the Palestinian security forces, which we are also assisting in redeploying within the Gaza Strip,” Confavreux said at a news briefing.
He noted that France, along with its British and American partners, wants to present a draft resolution to the UN Security Council in the coming days.
“We believe this would provide stronger international legal backing and make it possible for other countries to join this international stabilization force. That is why we continue to emphasize the need for a UN Security Council mandate,” said Confavreux.
He emphasized that the stabilization force rests on three main elements, the first being the return of Palestinian security forces to Gaza to ensure security.
“We need to determine to what extent we can obtain a mandate that will then define the framework, the mechanisms, and the contributions required. Things need to be put in place step by step,” said Confavreux.
He reaffirmed that the current focus is on securing a Security Council mandate that would define the framework and mechanisms for the stabilization force, after which contributions from various states would follow.
“As for this force, I imagine it will involve discussions about contributions in terms of equipment and financing. It is too early to say what France’s contribution will be. Regarding the possible deployment of troops, I have no information to share with you at this stage,” Confavreux stressed.
Pointing to the humanitarian conference that will be coordinated by France and Egypt and will “probably” take place “at the end of November,” he noted that it will have two components: “one focused on fundraising to help secure financing, and another on the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.”
“We strongly condemn all strikes that kill civilians,” said Confavreux, referring to recent Israeli strikes on Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement.
He urged Israel to “fully honor” the commitments made under the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, which required the Israeli army to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 2025.
“We call on Israel to withdraw, in particular from the five positions where the Israeli army remains present in southern Lebanon,” Confavreux added.