Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew sharp condemnation at the United Nations on September 25, 2026, as scores of delegates exited the General Assembly hall during his address defending Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The walkouts occurred as Netanyahu rejected allegations of genocide, asserting that Israel “didn’t commit genocide. Israel prevented genocide,” and accused Western European nations of “succumbing to antisemitic mobs.” The Israeli leader’s remarks came amid escalating international scrutiny over Israel’s actions in the region, with delegates leaving empty seats in the chamber as he spoke. Earlier that day, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a pre-recorded statement to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, warning that the Palestinian people face an existential threat. Abbas condemned Israel’s “war of genocide” in Gaza, citing “killing, destruction, starvation, and attempted forced displacement,” while also criticizing the expansion of West Bank settlements. He accused Israeli leadership of pursuing a “colonial project” to establish a “Greater Israel” and called on the international community to uphold the two-state solution. Abbas specifically criticized the U.S. for denying visas to the Palestinian delegation for a second consecutive year, urging Washington to lift restrictions on Palestinian representation. The tension at the UN reflected deepening global divisions over the Israel-Palestine conflict. Netanyahu’s speech drew protests outside the UN headquarters, where hundreds gathered to support Palestinian rights. The Israeli prime minister’s rhetoric intensified scrutiny of his government’s policies, with Abbas’s warnings highlighting fears that the two-state solution is being irreversibly undermined. The walkouts and public demonstrations underscored the high stakes of the debate, as world leaders grappled with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the broader implications for regional stability. The event highlighted the polarizing nature of the conflict, with Netanyahu framing his actions as necessary for national security and Abbas emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention. As the UN session continued, the clash between these narratives underscored the challenges of achieving consensus on a resolution. The absence of a unified global response left questions about the effectiveness of multilateral efforts to address the crisis, with both sides accusing the other of obstructing peace and justice.
The Independent Uganda | Xinhua | September 25, 2026
Delegates Exit UN Session as Netanyahu Defends Israel's Gaza Actions Amid Global Outcry
The Independent Uganda | Xinhua | September 25, 2026
Delegates Exit UN Session as Netanyahu Defends Israel's Gaza Actions Amid Global Outcry