By Desmond Nleya
New York- Dozens of United Nations delegates walked out of the General Assembly chamber as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address on Thursday, in a visible protest over Israel’s military operations in Gaza. (Reuters)
Netanyahu responded by calling those who left “moral cowards”, while Israeli supporters inside the chamber stood and applauded as he took the podium.
During his speech, Netanyahu rejected allegations that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza and defended the country’s military campaign, saying Israel had taken measures to protect Palestinian civilians. He accused Hamas of operating among civilians and using them as human shields. (Africanews)
He also defended Israel’s military actions against Iran and said joint US-Israeli strikes had prevented what he described as a greater threat.
Netanyahu criticised Turkey and Qatar over their positions on Israel and accused several Western leaders of giving in to what he described as antisemitic pressure.
He also attacked New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani after Mamdani had publicly described him as a war criminal, saying attempts to silence him would not prevent him from speaking at the UN.
The walkout highlighted the continuing divisions at the United Nations over the Gaza war and the growing international criticism facing Israel. (Reuters)
Netanyahu is also campaigning for re-election ahead of Israel’s October 27 vote while facing a long-running corruption trial. An International Criminal Court arrest warrant has also been issued for him over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. (Reuters)
