Netanyahu rebukes Macron's remarks on Hamas
Netanyahu’s office called Macron’s remarks at the United Nations a "grotesque absurdity," objecting to his claim about the Palestinian militant group Hamas' activity in the West Bank.
Macron decried the situation in Gaza. He also criticized the escalating Israeli settler violence in the West Bank, saying Israel could not invoke Hamas to justify its actions in the territory. He used terminology in his French-language remarks that could mean Hamas has either never governed or operated in the West Bank.
A French diplomatic source, speaking on condition of anonymity to be able to speak to the media, said Macron meant Hamas had never governed the West Bank.
The U.N. has not released an official translation.
Hamas has long maintained support in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and claimed responsibility for attacks there, though it has never governed in the semiautonomous territory. During the war in Gaza, Israel has intensified military operations in the West Bank, launching an offensive in early 2025 that targeted refugee camps it described as bastions of Palestinian militancy.
The dispute adds to tensions since France recognized a Palestinian state in September 2025.
Earlier this month, France joined Canada and several European countries in announcing steps to restrict trade from Israeli settlements. France has long opposed Israeli settlements as contrary to international law and put out a statement Sunday saying it "firmly condemns the terrorist attack" that killed a French-Israeli over the weekend.
Source: Associated Press
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://cdn.naharnet.com/stories/en/322665 |