Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a cold reception both inside and outside the UN General Assembly on Friday (local time) as he defended Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip. The controversial speech was met with a mass walkout by delegate teams and large-scale protests in the streets of New York.
According to reports from the Guardian and other foreign media, dozens of delegation members from over 50 countries staged a protest walkout as Prime Minister Netanyahu approached the podium for his address. A tally by the Washington Post estimated that over 100 diplomats left the hall before his speech began, leaving the chamber largely empty. Although the US and UK delegations remained, they were reportedly represented by lower-level officials rather than their top envoys, underscoring Israel's growing international isolation.
Despite the disruption, which included applause, shouting, and repeated calls for order from the Assembly President, Netanyahu delivered his defiant speech. While he received a standing ovation and cheers from the balcony section after concluding his remarks, BBC also reported boos and condemnation.
Broadcast to Gaza and Street Protests
Prime Minister Netanyahu used his platform to send a direct message to the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, stating he had "surrounded Gaza with massive loudspeakers connected to this microphone" in the hope they could hear his words. Switching from Hebrew to English, he vowed, "Our brave heroes, this is Prime Minister Netanyahu speaking to you live from the United Nations. We have not forgotten you, not even for a second... We will not falter and we will not rest until we bring all you home!" It is believed that 48 of the 251 people kidnapped by the Palestinian armed group Hamas on October 7, 2023, are still being held in Gaza, with only 20 thought to be alive.
Outside the UN headquarters, thousands of people gathered in New York City, including a large rally in Times Square, to protest the Prime Minister's speech and Israel's actions in Gaza. Smaller, yet intense, demonstrations took place earlier in the morning near his hotel. Social media videos showed protestors banging drums and holding signs condemning "genocide" while chanting slogans like "Murderer of babies," "Free Palestine," and "Shame on Israel." Several protesters were reportedly arrested after police moved the crowds to the sidewalk, though the demonstrations were described as non-violent.
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