Macron Criticizes US Visa Ban on Palestinian Officials for UN Assembly

French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly criticized the United States' decision to deny visas to Palestinian officials for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, calling the move "unacceptable" and urging a reversal to ensure Palestinian representation as per the Host Country Agreement. This diplomatic dispute highlights tensions in Middle Eastern diplomacy, with Macron emphasizing the importance of political representation on the global stage. Concurrently, the Israel Defense Forces have intensified their military operations in Gaza City, resulting in significant casualties and ongoing humanitarian challenges, while Qatar continues to seek cease-fire negotiations amid no response from Israel. In a related diplomatic development, Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to visit the Vatican to discuss hostage releases and regional issues including antisemitism. Meanwhile, Belgium announced it will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly, joining growing Western support for Palestinian sovereignty. These developments occur against a backdrop of sharp criticism from the US ambassador to France regarding rising antisemitism in France, which he links to Macron's policies towards Israel and Palestine, and warnings from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu that Western moves toward Palestinian statehood risk empowering terrorism.