Macron's UN Speech Claims Hamas Never Operated in West Bank, Drawing Israeli Rebuke

French President Emmanuel Macron stated at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday that the terrorist organization Hamas has never operated in the West Bank. "Just look at what is happening in the West Bank, day after day we witness violations," Macron said. "And in the name of what? Hamas has never operated in the West Bank. What we need is to respect the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to exist. This is a necessary condition for the security of the people of Israel, today and in the future."

However, the reality on the ground contradicts Macron's assertion. Earlier in September, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency thwarted a Hamas cell of ten operatives who were planning attacks against Israel in the village of Aqaba in the northern Jordan Valley. A rocket was also discovered in their possession. Over the years, Hamas operatives have been responsible for the deaths of dozens of Israelis in terrorist attacks throughout Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley. Security forces have continued to operate against Hamas militants in these areas, including in known strongholds like Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarm.