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

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli sources for his assertion that "Hamas has never operated in the West Bank." This statement was made just two days after the killing of Natanel Shicron, a father of six, in a shooting attack in Judea and Samaria, an attack for which Hamas claimed responsibility and identified the perpetrator as a Hamas operative.

Macron's remarks, which also touched upon alleged daily violations in the West Bank and suggested that current realities make a Palestinian state impossible, are described as a "complete disconnect from reality." Critics argue that Macron's pronouncements, delivered from the UN podium, demonstrate ignorance of the region's security situation, particularly given the recent terror attack and Hamas's acknowledged role in it.

The article contends that Macron's statement not only contains a factual error but also erases Hamas's involvement in the West Bank from the discourse, while simultaneously lecturing Israel on security matters. The author suggests Macron's understanding of the area is likely based on briefings rather than on-the-ground knowledge, especially when contrasted with the fresh memory of Israeli victims of terrorism.