A significant number of diplomats walked out of the United Nations General Assembly as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address, underscoring the growing international opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the broader region. The walkout occurred as Netanyahu took the podium, with delegates exiting the chamber in response to his defense of Israel’s military campaign and criticism of its international detractors.
During his address, Netanyahu asserted that Israel would persist in its military operations, arguing that these actions also serve to protect other nations. He specifically defended Israel’s decision to strike Iran, labeling it a necessary measure for national security, and expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his support.
In a prerecorded video address to the General Assembly, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for more robust international intervention and renewed backing for a two-state solution. He rejected the displacement of Palestinians and emphasized the right of Palestinians to determine their own future.
The diplomatic walkout, coupled with protests outside the UN headquarters, highlighted the deepening international divisions regarding the conflicts in Gaza and the wider Middle East. The event reflects the increasing isolation Israel faces on the global stage due to its military policies and actions in the region.