Netanyahu defends military at UN as delegates walk out
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his military campaigns at the UN General Assembly as delegates staged a walkout and leaders traded fierce criticism.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israeli military campaigns in Gaza and Iran at the UN General Assembly.
- Numerous delegates walked out of the hall before the Israeli prime minister began his speech.
- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a video address condemning Israeli policies and actions.
- Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon was among protesters detained by police in New York City.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forcefully defended his country's military campaigns across Iran, the Gaza Strip, and the wider Middle East during an address to the UN General Assembly. The Israeli leader rejected mounting international accusations that his government is committing genocide in Gaza, while numerous delegates in the assembly hall chose to walk out ahead of his speech.
Hours prior to the session, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the annual gathering via a video link after being denied a US entry visa. Abbas stated that Israeli policies, particularly the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, threatened the existence of Palestinians and jeopardized the internationally backed two-state solution formula for peace.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The Palestinian leader accused the Israeli military of subjecting Palestinians in Gaza to killing, destruction, starvation, and attempted displacement amounting to a genocidal war. The conflict escalated following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks against Israel which left about 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage, while subsequent Israeli military campaigns have resulted in over 73,920 deaths in Gaza according to local health authorities.
Netanyahu, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, used his platform to launch sharp attacks on critics. He labeled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a tyrant for supporting Hamas and criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, claiming many Jewish residents no longer feel safe in the city since he took office.
"Israel and America acted together not only to protect ourselves, but to save civilisation"
Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu's appearance at the United Nations highlights the deep geopolitical divisions surrounding the ongoing Middle East conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The sharp rhetoric from world leaders inside the hall, contrasted with intense street protests outside, underscores the severe diplomatic friction and international pressure facing Israel and its allies as regional instability persists.
Outside the United Nations headquarters in New York City, demonstrators gathered to protest Netanyahu's visit, leading to police detaining several individuals. Among those taken into custody during the protests were Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon and Emmy-winning actress Hannah Einbinder.
Source: BBC World
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