On September 26, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the UN General Assembly’s 80th session in New York.
Dozens of delegates from over 50 nations walked out, leaving empty seats in protest of Israel’s Gaza policies.
Defiant Speech
Netanyahu faced boos and cheers but pressed on. His speech, broadcast near Gaza and on hacked phones, urged Hamas to free hostages.
“Surrender, or we’ll hunt you down,” he warned, adding, “Israel supports you,” to captives.
Rejecting Statehood
He called Palestinian statehood “shameful,” saying it rewards terrorism like 9/11. Showing a map of Iran’s proxies, he bragged about strikes on Hezbollah and Houthis, claiming to reshape the region.
Trump’s Ceasefire Push
A day earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed a Gaza ceasefire deal and opposed West Bank annexation. Netanyahu’s hardline stance clashed with Trump’s call for peace.
Protests Nearby
Pro-Palestinian crowds rallied blocks from the UN, chanting “shame.” Organizer Nidaa Lafi accused Israel of land theft and genocide, fueling loud protests during the speech.
Global Backlash
This marks the second year of UN walkouts against Netanyahu. Facing ICC war crimes charges with Yoav Gallant, he struggles to win support amid growing isolation.
Israel’s Claim
Netanyahu said Israel fights “radical Islam” for all. “We’re battling your fight,” he told the UN. But the walkout and protests showed deep global divides.
What’s Ahead
The walkout signals rising tensions. As Trump pushes for calm, Netanyahu’s words may stir more debate, leaving the Middle East’s future unclear in 2025.
READ MORE: Meta Launches Ad-Free Facebook and Instagram in the UK
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
