In his final address to the United Nations before the end of his presidential term, Emmanuel Macron said the world was witnessing a situation that should shame everyone. He also criticized US President Donald Trump for presenting his Gaza peace plan as a diplomatic victory.

Reuters reported that Macron made the remarks only hours after Trump, speaking from the same podium, described his Gaza proposal as a major diplomatic success.

"A year ago, in this very hall, around a dozen countries recognized Palestine. I hear the cynical words of some people: ‘Recognition is just a piece of paper, look at reality,’" Macron said, striking the podium with his fist.

"... Some are congratulating themselves on what they call peace. But that peace has not restored humanitarian access even for a moment. Are we simply going to stand by and watch this spectacle, which should bring shame upon all of us?" the French president said.

"What is happening there day after day is making it impossible to achieve a solution based on respect for the Palestinian people's legitimate right to exist," Macron added.

Macron also warned against a "return to the law of the jungle," saying that nations faced a choice between a world ruled by force and coercion and a "civilized international community":

"We cannot accept a new order of impunity that some would like to impose."

At the same time, the report noted that Macron himself has faced criticism from some French politicians, who argue that he has done too little since France recognized the Palestinian state in September 2025. Paris has nevertheless strengthened its position on violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, introducing a number of sanctions and beginning the process of banning products originating from Israeli settlements.

The outlet added that relations between France and Israel have remained particularly tense over the past year.

Gaza Strip: latest developments

The administration of US President Donald Trump continues its diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the situation in the Middle East. Trump views a halt to hostilities in the Gaza Strip as one of the central priorities of his foreign policy, while his special envoy Steve Witkoff remains involved in talks on the issue. Jared Kushner has also focused on diplomatic initiatives related to Gaza and the conflict between Israel and Iran.