NEW YORK — French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a strong address to the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on the situation in Palestine, Gaza and the West Bank.
Macron said that several countries had recognized the State of Palestine over the past year, but questioned whether those recognitions had resulted in meaningful action on the ground.
“Last year, in this very chamber, several countries recognized Palestine. You recognized it on paper, but look at the reality on the ground. What value do our credibility and reputation have if we cannot take action to address the situation in Gaza?” Macron said.
The French president also accused Israel of violating international law and raised concerns about developments in the West Bank.
“Look at what is happening in the West Bank. Day after day, we are witnessing violations. What is the justification? Hamas has never operated in the West Bank,” Macron said.
Macron stressed that the rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to exist and establish their own state, must be respected.
“We need to respect the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to existence and statehood. This is an essential condition for the security of the Israeli people, both today and in the future,” he said.
