French President Emmanuel Macron criticised Israeli actions in the West Bank during his final address to the United Nations General Assembly as France’s president.
Macron also addressed the humanitarian situation in Gaza during his speech on Tuesday.
He called for renewed respect for international law and the UN system. He also questioned claims that peace had been achieved in Gaza while humanitarian access remained limited.
Macron West Bank Criticism Draws Israeli Response
Macron said the situation in the West Bank was worsening because of continuing violations and settlement-related developments.
He argued that these actions make progress toward Palestinian statehood and Palestinian rights more difficult.
Macron also referred to Hamas while discussing the West Bank.
However, his wording quickly became a source of controversy. A French diplomatic source later told Israeli media that Macron had meant to say Hamas does not govern the West Bank.
Hamas controls Gaza but does not govern the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in parts of the territory, while Israel maintains broad control over the West Bank.
Netanyahu Office Rebukes Macron
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office strongly criticised Macron’s remarks.
The statement said Hamas has carried out attacks against Israelis in the West Bank and rejected Macron’s characterization of the group’s activity there.
Israeli officials also pointed to the recent killing of Netanel Shukrun, an Israeli with French citizenship, in a West Bank attack.
The dispute added to tensions between the French and Israeli governments over the conflict and the future of the Palestinian territories.
Macron Raises Gaza Humanitarian Concerns
Macron also focused heavily on Gaza.
He questioned the international community’s response to the humanitarian situation and said humanitarian deliveries had not resumed sufficiently despite claims of progress toward peace.
His comments came during the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
The speech was Macron’s final address to the UN as French president before he is due to leave office next year.
France Supports Two-State Solution
France has continued to support a two-state solution involving Israel and a future Palestinian state.
Earlier this month, France, Britain and Canada said settlement expansion and increased settler violence in the West Bank threatened that objective.
The three countries also announced measures targeting imports from Israeli settlements and those involved in settlement activity.
The UN has likewise warned that settlement expansion, violence and displacement are undermining prospects for a two-state solution.
West Bank Dispute Remains Central Issue
Macron’s speech highlights the growing international focus on the West Bank alongside the continuing crisis in Gaza.
Israel and France disagree over several aspects of Israeli policy in the Palestinian territories.
Meanwhile, the debate over Hamas’s presence and activities in the West Bank has added another point of contention.
The French clarification indicates that Macron’s original wording was not intended to suggest that Hamas had no presence or activity in the territory.
