French president condemns US visa denial for Palestinian officials ahead of UN meeting

French President Emmanuel Macron has openly criticized the United States for its refusal to grant visas to senior Palestinian officials ahead of a high-level United Nations meeting on the Israel-Palestine conflict, calling the move "unacceptable."

In a statement published on the social media platform X, Macron condemned the US decision, urging Washington to reverse the measure under international diplomatic protocols, Caliber.Az reports.

أجريتُ للتوّ محادثةً مع سموّ وليّ عهد المملكة العربية السعودية. وسنشارك معاً في رئاسة مؤتمر حلّ الدولتين في نيويورك في 22 أيلول/سبتمبر.

إنّ قرار الولايات المتحدة عدمَ منح تأشيراتٍ للمسؤولين الفلسطينيين غيرُ مقبول. ونحثّ على التراجع عن هذا الإجراء وتمكين…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 2, 2025

"The American decision not to grant visas to Palestinian officials is unacceptable. We call for this measure to be reversed and for Palestinian representation to be ensured in accordance with the Host Country Agreement," Macron said.

The French leader also confirmed he had spoken with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with whom he will co-chair the upcoming Conference on the Two-State Solution in New York on September 22. The summit is expected to bring together global stakeholders amid mounting international concern over the escalating humanitarian and political crisis in Gaza.

"Our objective is clear: to rally the broadest possible international support for the Two-State Solution—the only way to meet the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians," Macron stated.

He further emphasized that any path toward lasting peace must include a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and a massive increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. Macron also called for the deployment of a stabilization mission within the enclave to facilitate recovery and governance.

Crucially, the French president outlined conditions for post-conflict governance in Gaza, insisting on the disarmament and exclusion of Hamas from any role in administration, while simultaneously advocating for institutional reform and empowerment of the Palestinian Authority.

"No offensive, annexation attempt, or forced displacement of populations will derail the momentum we have created with the Crown Prince—momentum that many partners have already joined," he added.

Macron positioned the upcoming conference as a critical juncture in efforts to secure peace and regional stability.

“The conference,” he said, “aims to serve as a 'decisive turning point' for peace and security in the region.”

The controversy follows last week's decision by the US to revoke entry visas for senior Palestinian figures, including President Mahmoud Abbas, effectively barring them from participating in key UN deliberations. The move comes as several European nations are preparing to formally recognize the State of Palestine, further deepening the diplomatic divide between Washington and some of its closest allies.

Since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza in October 2023, more than 63,500 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities. The conflict has devastated the enclave, with much of its infrastructure reduced to rubble and the population facing extreme famine conditions.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with the war in Gaza. Israel is also currently the subject of a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.

By Vafa Guliyeva