Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday was marked by a walkout of dozens of delegates from various countries. The walkout was reportedly encouraged by the Palestinian Mission to the UN, whose representatives were also scheduled to speak later in the day. As Netanyahu began speaking, delegates in the hall started leaving, while his supporters inside the venue cheered him as he referred to those departing as "phony human rights protesters."
According to reports, the walkout was a response to Netanyahu's criticism of countries and individuals who have been critical of Israel's actions. During his speech, Netanyahu targeted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a critic of Netanyahu and Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Mamdani had released a video shortly before Netanyahu's speech showing him planting an olive tree, a cultural symbol of Palestine, at Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official residence.
Photos from the convention centre showed empty seats belonging to several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Algeria, Iran, Malaysia, Montenegro, and Kyrgyzstan. Jordan, Libya, the Marshall Islands, and Mauritius also had empty seats. However, many of the countries had at least one delegate remaining in the hall, while others had left in protest.
Netanyahu's speech was marked by controversy, with the Israeli Prime Minister criticising Mamdani for trying to silence him. "Mr. Mamdani, you tried to stop me from coming here," Netanyahu said in his speech. "You tried to silence me. Well, you can't silence me, you can't silence the truth. And here's the simple truth. Israel didn't commit genocide. Israel prevented genocide."
The walkout during Netanyahu's speech was not unexpected, given the controversy surrounding Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. The Palestinian Mission to the UN had reportedly encouraged delegates to walk out in protest of Netanyahu's speech. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and its critics, both within and outside the international community.
Netanyahu's address to the UN General Assembly was closely watched, given the current tensions in the region. The Israeli Prime Minister's criticism of Mamdani and other critics of Israel's actions was seen as a defiant move, aimed at silencing his critics. However, the walkout during his speech suggests that his critics will not be easily silenced.
The incident at the UN General Assembly has sparked widespread debate, with many calling for an end to the violence in Gaza and the West Bank. The controversy surrounding Netanyahu's speech has also raised questions about the role of the international community in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Key points
- Dozens of delegates walked out during Netanyahu's address to the UN General Assembly.
- The walkout was in response to Netanyahu's criticism of countries and individuals critical of Israel's actions.
- The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and its critics, both within and outside the international community.
