The moment Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech, the majority of diplomats exited the room, leaving the chamber nearly empty.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, as numerous diplomats from around the world staged a walkout.
Attendees stage a walkout as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (not pictured) delivers his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday. (Bloomberg)
As Netanyahu took the stage to begin his speech, the majority of diplomats exited, leaving the hall nearly empty.
The walkout follows allegations of “genocide” against Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) over the ongoing military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. Since Hamas launched a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023—killing over 1,200 Israelis and taking hundreds hostage—Israeli strikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 60,000 Palestinians.
Since the Hamas attack and Israel’s subsequent invasion of Gaza, several efforts have been made to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages. However, talks collapsed entirely earlier this month after the IDF launched an attack in Qatar targeting Hamas leadership during ongoing peace negotiations.
Key Points from Benjamin Netanyahu’s Speech
During his address to the UN General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referenced the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, in which he said approximately 1,200 people were killed. “Much of the world no longer remembers October 7. But we remember,”
he stated.Netanyahu’s speech touched on a range of issues—from a sharp rebuke of global leaders to a stern warning directed at Hamas. He accused many world leaders of “appeasing evil rather than supporting Israel,” and claimed that while some publicly criticize Israel, they privately express support.
Jyoti Gupta