Femi Ashekun/
A mass walkout occurred in the United Nations General Assembly hall on Friday, as Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, entered to deliver his address.
According to multiple news agencies, more than 100 diplomats from over 50 nations exited the chamber in protest at the outset of his speech.
Netanyahu used the platform to renew Israel’s war posture toward Gaza, declaring that his country “must finish the job” against Hamas.
He strongly criticised recent Western recognition of Palestinian statehood, calling it irresponsible and claiming it encourages terrorism.
He rejected notions of a two-state solution, denounced what he called biased media narratives, and defended continued military operations in Gaza.
In a controversial move, the Israeli military, in coordination with Netanyahu’s office, broadcast the speech via loudspeakers mounted at the Gaza border and claimed to transmit it through mobile phones in Gaza, though reports from within the territory offered no independent verification of the phone broadcasts.
Netanyahu also used a visual device in his presentation: a QR code linking to footage of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, which he asked the assembly to scan.
The walkout was symbolic of the deep divisions and heightened tensions surrounding Israel’s Gaza war. While many delegations left in protest, others remained or applauded.
Netanyahu acknowledged the protests and sought to challenge leaders who had recognised Palestine, accusing them of rewarding violence.
The speech took place amid growing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, where Palestinian health authorities report over 65,000 killed in the conflict.
The International Criminal Court has also issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes, an issue he addressed by denying genocide allegations and deriding critics.
Outside the UN, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied in New York, demanding a ceasefire and strong condemnation of Israel’s campaign.
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