European Leaders Criticize Israel's Actions in Gaza and West Bank at UN

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham have sharply criticized Israel's conduct in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during a UN General Assembly session. Burnham stated that while the October 7th attack was "horrific" and Britain "will continue to stand by Israel," this does not justify the government's actions. Macron claimed Hamas has never operated in the West Bank, a statement vehemently rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu responded, "This is outrageous absurdity. On the eve of Yom Kippur, a French citizen and father of six was murdered by a Hamas terrorist in Judea and Samaria. They murdered countless Israelis. Ignorance is no excuse for erasing their blood."

Further condemning Macron's remarks, Gadi Eisenkot, head of the National Unity party, called the statement "extremely detached from reality on the ground." Eisenkot emphasized his knowledge of Hamas's activities and threats in the West Bank, citing a recent deadly attack in Benjamin. He asserted that the fight against terror is not confined to Gaza, is not negotiable, and that international hypocrisy should not compromise Israeli citizens' security.

Macron also criticized the rise in settler violence in the West Bank, stating it "denies the legitimate existence rights of the Palestinian people." He further took issue with US President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza and his presentation of the council as a "diplomatic achievement." Macron recalled that a year prior, around 12 countries recognized a Palestinian state, questioning the credibility of inaction in the face of the Gaza situation and humanitarian access limitations. He asked, "Should we simply stand by and watch this spectacle, which should shame us all?"