77 Countries Walk Out as Netanyahu Addresses UN General Assembly

On September 24, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly, only to be met with a significant show of diplomatic disapproval. As he began to speak, 77 countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, and Ireland, walked out of the assembly in protest. This dramatic display of dissent highlights the international community's growing disapproval of Israel's actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The walkout was seen as a strong rebuke to Netanyahu's policies, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the treatment of Palestinians in the occupied territories. Many countries have criticized Israel's actions as violating international law and human rights. The countries that remained in the assembly to listen to Netanyahu's address included Morocco, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Argentina.

Netanyahu responded to the walkout by labeling the departing delegates as "morally cowardly." He also called on those who remained to leave if they shared the same views as those who walked out. The incident sparked widespread reaction, with many politicians and activists taking to social media to express their outrage at Netanyahu's policies.

The Palestinian state reacted to the incident by publishing a video of the walkout, describing it as "Benjamin Netanyahu, a war criminal addressing an empty room once again." The Belgian MP Marc Botenga also weighed in, saying "At the United Nations General Assembly, the dignity of the world in the face of the criminal Netanyahu."

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation of Netanyahu's policies, with many labeling him a "war criminal" and a "genocidaire." Mathilde Panot, the leader of the French La France Insoumise party, wrote on social media that "the entire world has understood" Netanyahu's culpability.

The walkout is seen as a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions between Israel and the international community. It also highlights the growing isolation of Israel on the world stage, particularly in light of its actions in Gaza and the occupied territories.

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about Israel's actions and the international community's response. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the diplomatic fallout will impact Israel's relationships with other countries.

Key points

• 77 countries walked out of the UN General Assembly in protest of Netanyahu's address.
• The walkout was seen as a strong rebuke to Netanyahu's policies in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
• The incident has sparked widespread condemnation of Netanyahu's policies and a growing diplomatic backlash against Israel.