France will work with Jordan and the United Arab Emirates to convince Russia and China to support a UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday (22).
This happens after Russia and China vetoed a United States text in the body, also this Friday.
“Following the Russian and Chinese veto a few minutes ago, we will resume work based on the French draft resolution in the Security Council and work with our American, European and Arab partners to reach an agreement,” Macron said at the end of a summit of European Union leaders in Brussels.
The French Foreign Ministry highlighted on Thursday that it had begun drafting a resolution with diplomats, saying they would present a draft if the US resolution was not approved.
On Friday, the UN Security Council rejected a resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as part of a hostage deal, the first time the US has supported such language.
As a result, the resolution called for an “immediate and sustained ceasefire” lasting approximately six weeks, which would protect civilians and allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Macron said Washington’s change in tone made him hopeful that a new resolution with Arab states could be successful if they could convince Russia and China not to oppose it.
“What is important to note is that the US has changed its position and indicated its desire to clearly advocate a ceasefire, which is good for us and the progress of our project,” Macron said.
