Macron's West Bank Dispute
Israeli Officials Reject Macron's Claim That Hamas Never Operated in West Bank
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Key Points
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Israeli officials said the Hamas operative accused of killing French citizen Netanel Shukrun was identified as Qadri Samara and captured several hours later at a medical facility in Ramallah.
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During Yom Kippur, Israeli forces arrested two Palestinians in Qabatiya whom the IDF said were preparing an imminent attack, although the military did not initially identify them as Hamas members.
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The Shin Bet has previously announced disrupting Hamas cells in the West Bank that Israeli authorities said were directed from abroad to plan and carry out attacks.
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France, Britain and Canada announced plans for measures targeting settlement-related activity, warning that settlement expansion and rising settler violence posed an “urgent threat” to the two-state solution.
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Macron acknowledged criticism that France’s recognition of a Palestinian state had produced little change on the ground; France formally recognized a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September 2025 while also condemning Hamas’s October 7 attack.
French President Emmanuel Macron claimed at the UN General Assembly that Hamas has never operated in the West Bank, sparking swift backlash from Israeli officials. Netanyahu called the statement "grotesque," citing the recent killing of French citizen Netanel Shukrun, whom Israeli authorities say was murdered by Hamas operative Qadri Samara. The dispute highlights deep disagreement over Hamas's presence and activities in the territory, even as France and other nations push for a two-state solution and restrictions on Israeli settlements.
Macron's broader speech criticized Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence as threats to Palestinian statehood. France, along with Britain and Canada, announced plans to target settlement-related activity. However, a French diplomatic official later clarified that Macron meant Hamas does not govern the West Bank — not that it has zero presence there — attempting to walk back the firestorm his words had ignited.
Netanyahu Rejects Macron's Claim With Murder Case Evidence
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected Macron's assertion as "grotesque," pointing to concrete proof of Hamas operations. His office cited the killing of French citizen Netanel Shukrun, identified as the work of Hamas operative Qadri Samara. Israeli security forces captured Samara several hours after the attack at a medical facility in Ramallah. Other Israeli officials and commentators echoed Netanyahu's objection, stating Hamas has maintained active cells and infrastructure throughout the West Bank.
Documented Hamas Activity in West Bank Territory
YNet News reports that Hamas presence in the West Bank began in the late 1980s, shortly after the organization's founding in Gaza. The group operated underground networks throughout the 1990s and has maintained cells there for decades. Israeli authorities have repeatedly announced disruptions of Hamas-linked plots. During Yom Kippur, Israeli forces arrested two Palestinians in Qabatiya who the IDF said were preparing imminent attacks. The Shin Bet has publicly stated it has disrupted Hamas cells directed from abroad to plan and execute West Bank operations.
France Clarifies Macron's Words Amid Diplomatic Fallout
A French diplomatic official moved to contain the damage, telling Times of Israel that Macron meant Hamas does not govern the West Bank — not that it has never operated there. This distinction marks a significant retreat from the president's original UN statement. JFeed reported that France defended the claim, though the clarification suggests Macron's wording was imprecise or misunderstood. The explanation underscores tensions between Paris and Israel over how to characterize Hamas activities in Palestinian territory.
France Pushes Two-State Solution Despite Criticism
Macron used his UN address to advocate for Palestinian statehood and condemn Israeli settlement policies. France, Britain, and Canada announced coordinated measures targeting settlement-related activity, warning that expansion and settler violence pose an "urgent threat" to peace. Yet Macron acknowledged criticism that France's September 2025 recognition of Palestinian statehood has produced little tangible change. France also formally condemned Hamas's October 7 attack, trying to balance its Palestinian support with strong opposition to terrorism.
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