NEW YORK – In his final address to the United Nations General Assembly as France’s president, Emmanuel Macron delivered a strong critique of the international community’s response to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for a moratorium on strikes affecting civilian and energy targets in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Macron addressed the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2026, in what marked his last significant speech at the international forum before concluding his presidency. He emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to international law and the UN system, warning against a descent into what he termed the “law of the jungle.” The French president expressed deep concern over the persistent humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the inaction of the international community as a “spectacle that shames us all.” He questioned the credibility of nations that have recognized Palestine but have failed to facilitate increased humanitarian aid deliveries to the enclave.
Macron highlighted what he described as ongoing violations of Palestinian rights in the West Bank, stressing the importance of upholding the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and their right to exist. Simultaneously, he reaffirmed France’s commitment to Israel’s security but cautioned against arguments that Israeli security necessitates the violation of neighboring states’ sovereignty. He also called for respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty, noting its importance in addressing regional security challenges.
In his address, the French leader also turned his attention to the conflict in Ukraine, advocating for a “double moratorium” on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities. He characterized the destruction of civilian infrastructure and human rights violations witnessed in the conflict as “barbaric acts” and a sign of a new era of such conduct. Macron’s call for a moratorium comes as concerns grow over the approaching winter and its potential impact on the conflict and civilian populations.
The remarks follow a period of heightened diplomatic activity concerning the Middle East and the war in Ukraine. Macron’s criticisms of the Gaza situation came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump had addressed the same forum, highlighting his administration’s efforts towards peace in the region. Macron, however, directly challenged the notion of achieved peace, stating that no humanitarian corridor had been reopened and questioning the impact of diplomatic pronouncements without tangible improvements on the ground.
During his tenure, Macron has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine and has consistently raised concerns about international humanitarian law. His final address at the UN underscored his administration’s foreign policy priorities, emphasizing multilateralism and the rule of international law in addressing global challenges. The call for reforms within the UN Security Council, a sentiment echoed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his own address, also signals a broader discussion about the effectiveness and relevance of global governance structures in the face of evolving geopolitical landscapes.
France has, in recent times, toughened its stance on Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank, implementing national sanctions and initiating processes to ban products originating from these settlements. This policy shift reflects a more assertive approach to international diplomacy and a commitment to addressing perceived injustices in the occupied territories, even as broader peace efforts continue to face significant obstacles.
The speech also touched upon the situation in Syria, with Macron reiterating France’s support for the country’s sovereignty and unity, emphasizing that the initial aims of the revolution should not be undermined by subsequent developments. His remarks on Lebanon also highlighted the complex regional dynamics, suggesting that a sovereign Lebanon is crucial for addressing issues related to Hezbollah and restoring stability in the area.
Macron’s address served as a final summation of his foreign policy vision on the global stage, characterized by a commitment to international cooperation, human rights, and the principles of multilateralism. His critique of major global powers and international inaction on critical humanitarian issues signals ongoing debates about the effectiveness of the current international order and the path forward for global diplomacy.
Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.