Macron's UN Speech Criticized for Denying Hamas Activity in West Bank

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent speech at the UN General Assembly has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli sources for his assertion that Hamas has never operated in the West Bank. Macron stated during his address, "Look at what is happening in the West Bank, where violations are committed every day. In whose name? Hamas has never operated in the West Bank." He also claimed that the current reality in the region makes the establishment of a Palestinian state impossible.

The article highlights the perceived absurdity of Macron's statement, particularly in light of a recent fatal shooting attack in the West Bank two days prior, which killed Natanel Shicron, a father of six. Hamas praised the attack, and the perpetrator was identified as a Hamas operative. The author argues that Macron's remarks demonstrate a complete disconnect from reality and an arrogant lecturing of Israel on security matters concerning a region he seemingly knows only through briefings.

By denying Hamas's presence and activity in the West Bank, the article contends, Macron is not merely making a minor factual error but is actively erasing the organization responsible for the October 7th massacre and its operations in the West Bank from the discourse. This, the article suggests, allows him to lecture Israel as if he possesses superior knowledge of the security situation.