Gaza Genocide27 September, 20252 min read
Majority of UN Delegations Walk Out During Netanyahu’s Speech at General Assembly
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Over 100 diplomats from more than 50 countries walked out during Netanyahu’s UN speech Delegations protested Netanyahu’s denial of Palestinian statehood and accusations of genocide in Gaza
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UN Walkout During Netanyahu Speech
During Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the United Nations General Assembly, a significant number of UN delegations staged a walkout. This protest was a response to Israel's military actions in Gaza, which have been widely condemned as genocidal. The walkout involved more than 100 diplomats from over 50 countries, highlighting the growing international dissent against Israel's policies.
“Hamas condemned a mass walkout by several delegations at the United Nations before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech, calling it a sign of Israel's ‘isolation’ amid the ongoing Gaza war.”
Netanyahu's speech, which included a rejection of Palestinian statehood and a vow to "finish the job" against Hamas, was met with rows of empty seats, symbolizing the scale of opposition. The walkout was one of the largest in recent UN history, with delegations from Arab, African, Asian, European, and Latin American countries participating, while Spain boycotted the speech entirely.
Netanyahu's Speech on Israel and Palestine
Netanyahu's speech was marked by his strong condemnation of European countries for recognizing Palestinian statehood. He described this recognition as a political attack on Israel. He accused these countries of anti-Semitism and criticized their actions as pushing Israel towards "national suicide."
Netanyahu also praised US President Donald Trump for his stance on a potential Gaza peace deal involving Hamas's disarmament. Despite the walkout, some countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, remained to hear Netanyahu's address. This was surprising to some observers given the broader Arab and Muslim opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza.
Responses to Gaza Conflict Claims
Hamas condemned Netanyahu's speech, accusing him of denying the genocide, forced displacement, and starvation occurring in Gaza. They criticized his continued military actions despite holding hostages and framed the UN walkout as evidence of growing international support for Palestinian self-determination.
“Hamas accused Netanyahu of denying alleged genocide, forced displacement, and starvation in Gaza, and criticized him for continuing military actions despite holding hostages.”
The Gaza health ministry, controlled by Hamas, reported over 65,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, as a result of Israel's military actions. This narrative contrasts sharply with Netanyahu's claims of targeting Hamas fighters and his justification of military actions as a response to attacks.
Global Reactions to Israel-Gaza Conflict
The international response to Netanyahu's speech and the subsequent walkout reflects a deepening divide over the Israeli-Palestinian issue. While some countries have recognized Palestinian statehood, others remain staunch allies of Israel. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu for alleged crimes against humanity, which he denies.
Additionally, the UN’s highest court is reviewing South Africa’s genocide accusation against Israel in Gaza, a claim supported by Colombia but strongly rejected by Israel. This legal and diplomatic pressure underscores the contentious nature of Israel's actions in Gaza and the broader geopolitical implications.
