Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Sep 23: French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday described the situation in Gaza as “shameful” while addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, questioning the international community’s response to the ongoing crisis.

“What is our credibility worth if we remain inactive on Gaza?” Macron said, questioning claims that peace had been achieved while humanitarian deliveries remained restricted.

Addressing the conflict in West Asia, Macron also said the Strait of Hormuz should not be used for “blackmail” and stressed that reopening the vital waterway was a priority. He said it was in the interest of all countries for vessels to be able to transit through the strait and called for respect for international law.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, also addressing the UN General Assembly, said the Gulf region was going through “one of the most dangerous phases” amid the US-Israel war with Iran. He said the crisis could be resolved through diplomatic means.

Sheikh Tamim said Qatar, as a “trusted mediator”, was working to address the regional conflict through diplomacy. He stressed that reopening the Strait of Hormuz to maritime navigation could help avert further escalation and achieve a lasting solution ensuring security across the region, including Iran.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II, meanwhile, criticised Israel’s military actions in Gaza and its policies in the West Bank during his address to the UN General Assembly.

Abdullah accused the Israeli government of prolonging the Gaza war and hindering efforts to end the conflict. He also alleged that Israeli policies in the West Bank were contributing to a fundamental shift through what he described as de facto annexation and increasing settler violence.