At the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech, rejecting accusations of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. His remarks came as several UN delegates walked out of the session, reportedly in protest against his stance. Netanyahu accused the walkout participants of being "moral cowards," calling their actions a betrayal of international law and the principles of the UN.
The speech followed a series of incidents, including reports of two Palestinian casualties from Israeli shelling near Khan Younis and the killing of two Israeli soldiers in Gaza. Netanyahu also dismissed claims of genocide, calling them "the biggest lie of the century." His address was met with visible opposition, as demonstrators gathered outside the UN headquarters in New York, with police reportedly detaining around 100 people.
In response to the walkout, Netanyahu emphasized the need for accountability, urging the International Criminal Court to investigate alleged war crimes. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned that Israeli settlements continue to threaten the future of Palestinians. The tensions underscore the deepening divide between Israel and its international allies over the conflict in Gaza.
The situation highlights the growing polarization at the UN, with some delegates choosing to leave the session rather than engage with Netanyahu’s defense of Israeli military actions. As the debate continues, the international community remains divided on how to address the ongoing crisis.
