RismadarVoice Reporters
September 23, 2026
French President Emmanuel Macron has criticised international diplomacy surrounding the Gaza conflict, saying the continuing humanitarian suffering should bring shame to the international community and calling for urgent steps to restore humanitarian access.
Speaking at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Macron argued that diplomatic declarations would have little meaning without concrete improvements for civilians in Gaza.
He described the situation surrounding Gaza diplomacy as a “spectacle that shames us all,” while pressing for humanitarian routes to be reopened and assistance allowed to reach civilians.
Macron’s intervention came as the humanitarian situation in Gaza remained a major subject of discussions among world leaders gathered in New York.
MACRON DEMANDS ACTION
The French president called for humanitarian access to be restored and stressed that international diplomacy should produce tangible results on the ground.
His remarks reflected France’s broader position that diplomatic initiatives concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be accompanied by measures addressing humanitarian conditions and advancing a political settlement.
United Nations officials have also called for humanitarian assistance to flow into Gaza, while humanitarian agencies continue to report significant restrictions affecting their ability to deliver supplies and operate across the territory.
GAZA DOMINATES UN DISCUSSIONS
The Gaza crisis has featured prominently during the UN General Assembly, alongside conflicts elsewhere in the Middle East and other major international security challenges.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres told world leaders that fighting must stop and humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow, while reiterating support for a two-state solution involving Israel and an independent Palestinian state.
Foreign ministers from Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have separately called for immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Macron’s remarks add to mounting diplomatic pressure during the General Assembly for humanitarian access and renewed political efforts addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
However, substantial disagreements remain among Israel, the Palestinians and international actors over the conditions and political framework required for a lasting settlement.
