In a pivotal open debate on 29 April 2025, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot assumed the rotating presidency of the Security Council to steer discussions on “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.”  His presidency underscored France’s commitment to multilateral leadership amid escalating regional tensions and ahead of a co-hosted international conference in June.  The session, streamed live on UN Web TV in six languages, framed urgent humanitarian and security challenges while charting a diplomatic roadmap toward a viable two-state solution. 

Overview

Jean-Noël Barrot opened the 9,907th meeting by reaffirming France’s dual objective: simultaneous recognition of Palestinian statehood and normalization with Israel. He stressed that disarming Hamas, establishing a credible governance structure in Gaza excluding the group, and reforming the Palestinian Authority are prerequisites for lasting peace.  Barrot also warned that, should diplomatic efforts stall, France would not hesitate to re-invoke the “snapback” mechanism to restore UN sanctions on Iran when the 2015 nuclear deal expires in October. 

Key Agenda Items

Two-State Solution & International Conference

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Member States to take “irreversible action” toward a two-state solution, moving beyond affirmations to concrete measures. He highlighted the urgency of preparing for a France–Saudi Arabia–co-hosted conference in June aimed at syncing Palestinian recognition with Israeli normalization. 

Iran Nuclear Deal & Sanctions Snapback

Barrot reminded the Council that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action expires in October and that France, alongside Britain and Germany (the “E3”), retains the authority to trigger UN snapback sanctions if negotiations falter.  He urged Tehran to make immediate decisions to avert severe economic repercussions from renewed measures. 

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Council President Jérôme Bonnafont had previously warned of potential “regional escalation,” framing this meeting as critical for addressing Gaza’s humanitarian collapse. Participants debated ceasefire prospects, hostage releases, and reconstruction planning while calling on all parties to protect civilians. 

Broader Middle East Security Dynamics

In addition to Gaza, the Council touched on Lebanon, Syria, and Libya, noting the need for sustained diplomatic engagement to prevent spillover of conflict.  Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, attending earlier sessions, plans private talks with U.S. officials in New York, underlining the interconnected nature of regional issues.

Implications & Next Steps

• June International Conference: Success hinges on Member States committing to parallel tracks of Palestinian recognition and Israeli normalization. 

• Sanctions Leverage: France’s snapback threat sharpens European diplomatic leverage in the Iran nuclear dossier. 

• Humanitarian Mobilization: The meeting renews calls for robust UN and donor support to avert famine in Gaza, where community kitchens face closure amid supply shortages. 

• Council Cohesion: France’s leadership role illustrates an active agenda-setting approach, though persistent divisions remain over enforcement and relief strategies. 

Conclusion

Under Barrot’s gavel, the Security Council’s Middle East debate crystallized France’s vision of decisive, synchronized diplomatic action—balancing state recognition, security imperatives, and humanitarian relief—while setting the stage for a high-stakes international conference this June. The outcomes of this meeting and the forthcoming conference will test the resolve of the UN membership to translate urgent appeals into concrete progress on the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian impasse.