France rebukes world over Gaza as Canada, UK back Palestinian state at UNGA

UK Prime Minister vows not to ‘stand by’ as Palestinians suffer

France, Canada and the United Kingdom have expressed support for a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with French President Emmanuel Macron condemning Israel’s restrictions on aid to Gaza as a “shame” for the world.

Macron’s impassioned address on Tuesday came as Israeli forces killed at least three Palestinians in Gaza City, despite a “ceasefire” brokered by the United States in October. More than 73,900 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel’s genocidal war began in October 2023, including 1,399 since the “ceasefire” took effect.

In his speech to the UNGA, Macron noted that France had been among a dozen countries that recognised a Palestinian state a year ago. But he asked, “What credibility do we have if we continue to remain inactive in the face of Gaza?”

“Some boast of a supposed peace, but this peace hasn’t reopened humanitarian routes for a single second,” he said.

“Must we stand by and watch this spectacle that shames us all? Never!”

Macron also criticised what he called Israel’s daily “violations” in the occupied West Bank.

“All those who claim that Israel’s security depends on violating the sovereignty of all its neighbours are making a fatal mistake, weakening Israel’s security for today and tomorrow, and threatening it,” he warned.