Delegates Walk Out as Netanyahu Begins UN Speech

Many delegates from different countries walked out of the UN General Assembly hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address during the general debate of the 81st session. The walkout came in protest against Israel’s military operations in Gaza and its policies toward Palestine.
On Thursday (September 24), one delegation after another began leaving the hall shortly after Netanyahu took the podium at the UN headquarters in New York. Some delegates left even before he began speaking. A large section of the hall was seen with empty seats during the speech.
Protests and jeers against Netanyahu’s speech were also heard in the hall. Meanwhile, members of the Israeli delegation stood and applauded Netanyahu in support.
According to reports, the Palestinian Mission had called on representatives of UN member states to leave the hall collectively during Netanyahu’s speech. Representatives from various countries subsequently joined the walkout.
Reacting to the walkout, Netanyahu called the delegates who remained in the hall “morally cowardly.” He also urged those who disagreed with his speech to leave the hall.
In his address, Netanyahu defended Israel’s military operations in Gaza and rejected allegations of genocide against Israel. He also voiced support for Israel’s military action against Iran.
The walkout during Netanyahu’s speech highlighted the ongoing diplomatic divisions over Gaza and the Israel-Palestine issue at the UN General Assembly.