Major row after Macron says Hamas has ‘never been active’ in West Bank

• Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned French president Emmanuel Macron over claims made during a UN General Assembly speech that Hamas has never operated in the West Bank.
• A French diplomatic official later clarified Macron's comments, stating the president intended to say that Hamas does not govern the West Bank.
• Netanyahu rejected Macron's assertion, pointing to regular Hamas terror attacks in the West Bank, including the recent killing of a French-Israeli citizen.
• In his speech, Macron delivered a sharp critique of Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank, arguing that violating the sovereignty of neighbouring territories compromises Israel's future security.
• The White House defended President Trump's record in the Middle East, emphasising his leadership in securing peace and implementing a peace plan for Gaza.

IN FULL

Netanyahu hits out at Macron’s ‘grotesque’ claim Hamas has never operated in the West Bank