Macron's UN Claim on Hamas in West Bank Draws Sharp Israeli Rebuke

French President Emmanuel Macron stated at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday that Hamas has "never caused trouble" in the West Bank, a claim that has been strongly refuted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Macron's remarks, which were reportedly translated accurately by the UN interpreter, contradict the reality of Hamas's active presence and operational leadership in the West Bank, which is involved in planning and executing attacks against Israelis. Netanyahu's office responded by calling Macron's statement "ridiculous absurdity," highlighting the recent murder of French-Israeli citizen Natanel Shkaron by a Hamas operative on the eve of Yom Kippur as proof of the terrorist group's ongoing activities in the region. The Prime Minister's office further stated that Hamas operatives carry out attacks against Israelis almost daily and have murdered numerous civilians in the West Bank, emphasizing that ignorance is no excuse for denying these facts.

Macron's speech also included implicit criticism of US President Donald Trump and a call for action regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He questioned the credibility of those who speak of peace while humanitarian corridors remain closed and pointed to daily violations in the West Bank. Macron argued that building settlements daily undermines the possibility of a Palestinian state and, paradoxically, weakens Israel's security. He also condemned the rising violence by settlers in the West Bank, stating it infringes upon the Palestinian people's right to existence.

Adding to the international criticism of Israeli policies, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also addressed the UN assembly. While condemning the October 7th Hamas attack and affirming Britain's support for Israel against Iranian threats, Burnham stated that these events do not justify Israeli actions in Gaza or the West Bank. He specifically criticized Israeli construction in the E1 area, warning it could make a viable Palestinian state impossible, and defended his government's decision to restrict business with settlements. Burnham asserted that a failure to back words with actions, particularly regarding the two-state solution, would further erode public trust in politics.