Netanyahu faces diplomatic protest at UN
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly was met with a walkout by dozens of country delegations and protests outside the UN headquarters in New York.
As Netanyahu took the podium during the 81st session of the General Assembly, delegations including those of Türkiye, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Senegal, Pakistan, Sudan, Iran and Indonesia left the chamber. Several other countries, including Spain, South Africa, Kuwait, Morocco and Nigeria, did not attend the session.
Protesters inside the chamber could be heard as the delegations walked out. Netanyahu continued his speech before a largely empty hall.
The incident marked the third time Netanyahu has faced a walkout at the UN General Assembly since October 7, 2023.
Netanyahu defends Israel’s policies
During his address, Netanyahu spoke about Iran, Syria, Lebanon, the occupied West Bank and Gaza.
He defended Israel’s decision to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, describing it as one of the easiest decisions he had made as prime minister.
Netanyahu also reiterated Israel’s position on the Golan Heights, rejecting claims by Syrian authorities that the territory is Syrian land.
He dismissed criticism over violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, saying such incidents were carried out by a limited number of individuals.
Netanyahu also defended the Israeli military’s conduct in Gaza, saying it protects civilians and describing it as “the world’s most moral army.”
He also responded to criticism from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has accused Netanyahu of responsibility for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Protests spread across New York
While Netanyahu was speaking inside the UN, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the headquarters to protest Israel’s policies in Gaza and the wider region.
The protesters were kept away from the UN building for security reasons and gathered in Manhattan. Demonstrators chanted slogans calling for an end to war and for freedom for Palestine.
Jay Saper of Jewish Voice for Peace said the demonstration was intended to oppose Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and US military support for Israel.
New York City Council member Diana Moreno also joined the protest, criticizing the use of US taxpayer money to support military operations in the region.
Police detained a number of protesters during the demonstrations. US media reported that actress Susan Sarandon, actors Cynthia Nixon and Hannah Einbinder, comedian Caleb Hearon, former US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning and several political activists were among those detained.
A separate demonstration was also held outside the Israeli Consulate in Manhattan.
Türkiye rejects Netanyahu’s accusations
Türkiye responded to Netanyahu’s remarks at the General Assembly, rejecting what it described as unfounded accusations against Türkiye and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
A Turkish diplomat speaking on behalf of Ankara said the walkout by numerous delegations was a significant diplomatic message and reflected opposition to Israel’s policies.
The statement also criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and its policies in the occupied West Bank, Lebanon and Syria.
Türkiye reiterated its support for a two-state solution and said it would continue to support the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Speech triggers social media reaction
Netanyahu’s address and the mass walkout also generated widespread reaction on social media.
Users shared posts highlighting the humanitarian situation in Gaza and criticized Israel’s military campaign. Hashtags targeting Netanyahu and his policies gained visibility internationally.
Posts also circulated excerpts from Erdoğan’s previous UN speeches and his calls for action on Gaza and the Palestinian issue.
Inside the General Assembly, Netanyahu continued speaking as much of the chamber remained empty, creating one of the most notable scenes of the session.
Source:AA
