Delegates Leave as Netanyahu Begins Speech at UN General Assembly

A wave of delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday just moments before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium to deliver his address, in a striking display of protest against Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza.

The dramatic scene unfolded in New York as dozens of diplomats and representatives from various member states exited the main hall, leaving large sections of the assembly noticeably empty as Netanyahu began speaking about the situation in the Middle East.

According to observers, the coordinated walkout reflected growing international outrage over Israel’s conduct in Gaza, where months of bombardment have resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

While most delegations vacated the room, the U.S. delegation remained seated, signaling Washington’s continued political support for Israel despite global condemnation of the war’s toll on civilians.

Chants and murmurs of protest were reportedly heard throughout the chamber as Netanyahu began his remarks, underscoring the tense atmosphere surrounding Israel’s policies and its isolation on the international stage.

In his address, Netanyahu defended Israel’s military operations as necessary for “national security,” and accused critics of “double standards,” insisting that Israel has the right to defend itself.

The speech comes amid mounting calls for a ceasefire and accountability for alleged violations of international law in Gaza. The war, which has entered its eleventh month, has drawn unprecedented scrutiny from UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, and global leaders, many of whom accuse Israel of pursuing a campaign of collective punishment.

Several diplomats described today’s walkout as “a symbolic act of moral dissent,” intended to send a clear message that “the world will not remain silent in the face of atrocities.”

As Netanyahu concluded his speech, few delegates remained in the hall, a visual reflection of Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation as pressure intensifies for an end to the war.