Netanyahu Attacks Palestinian Recognition as Dozens Walk Out of UN Speech
New York - September 26,2025 - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked widespread condemnation and a significant show of disapproval at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday. During a combative speech, Netanyahu vehemently attacked the recent recognition of a Palestinian state by multiple Western countries, including the UK, France, Canada, and Australia.
As Netanyahu took the podium, dozens of officials and diplomats staged a walkout, leaving large parts of the conference hall empty. The walkout was a stark display of international disapproval of Israel's stance on Palestinian statehood. Outside the UN building, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Times Square, New York, further underscoring the global discontent with Israel's policies.
Netanyahu labeled the recognition of Palestine as a "mark of shame" that sends a message that "murdering Jews pays off." He also rejected statements by multiple UN agencies that Israel is deliberately restricting aid entering Gaza. The Israeli leader emphasized that Israel "must finish the job" in Gaza, dismissing the idea of a two-state solution as "sheer madness".
The speech drew sharp criticism from various quarters. Hamas described the walkout as evidence of Israel's "isolation" on the world stage. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin urged Israel's backers to "reflect carefully" on their support for the military campaign, stating that "there cannot be business as usual in the face of genocide".
In a notable development, US President Donald Trump indicated that a deal to end the war in Gaza might be imminent. Trump told reporters that negotiators were "very close" to reaching a ceasefire agreement, although details remained scarce. A 21-point peace plan proposed by the US aims to end the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza, with Arab leaders reportedly supporting the proposal in principle.
Source - BBC News
