New York, United States –
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a starkly divided audience at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this week, as dozens of delegates staged a walkout during his speech condemning the international recognition of Palestinian statehood amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
As Netanyahu took the podium, some attendees walked out in protest, while others, including Israeli allies seated in the balcony, responded with a standing ovation. The polarized reaction underscored Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation during one of the bloodiest phases of the conflict.
Netanyahu strongly criticized recent decisions by France, the UK, Australia, and Canada to formally recognize the State of Palestine, calling it a reward for terrorism.
“When the most savage terrorists on earth are effusively praising your decision, you didn’t do something right. You did something wrong. Horribly wrong,” he declared.
He further likened Palestinian statehood recognition post-October 7th to giving al-Qaida a state near New York after 9/11, calling the idea “sheer madness.”
Netanyahu also rejected accusations of genocide in Gaza as “false and absurd.” However, a recent UN-mandated independent inquiry found credible evidence of Israeli war crimes, including mass destruction and indications of intent, further fueling international scrutiny.
The speech comes as Israel faces rising global criticism over its military operations in Gaza, with humanitarian agencies warning of a deepening crisis and war crimes investigations intensifying.
Source: Africanews
