Netanyahu's Combative UN Speech Ignites Walkouts Amid Palestinian Statehood Recognition

Fri Oct 24 2025 12:06:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognition of Palestinian statehood during his speech at the UN General Assembly, leading to mass walkouts and protests, as international pressure mounts on Israel over its actions in Gaza.

In a divisive address at the UN, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the recognition of Palestinian statehood by multiple Western nations a 'mark of shame.' During his speech, which was marked by significant walkouts from diplomats and officials, he criticized various countries for supporting Palestinian autonomy and reaffirmed Israel's stance against a Palestinian state. The speech came amid heightened tensions and international concern over Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has attacked the recognition of a Palestinian state by multiple Western countries during a combative speech at the UN General Assembly.

Netanyahu labelled the recognition moves a 'mark of shame' that sent the message that 'murdering Jews pays off'.

Dozens of officials and diplomats staged a walk-out as he took to the podium, leaving large parts of the conference hall empty. Outside, protesters against Israel's war in Gaza gathered in Times Square.

Israel has come under huge international pressure over its military action in Gaza, culminating in the UK, France, Canada, Australia and other countries recognizing a Palestinian state this week.

In his opening remarks, Netanyahu displayed a map labelled 'The Curse' that he said showed Iranian proxy groups across the Middle East. He then highlighted Israeli military operations over the past year against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, Hamas in Gaza, and Iran.

He thanked US President Donald Trump for American involvement in bombing Iran's Fordo nuclear site in June and drew parallels between Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel and the 9/11 attack on the US. He emphasized that both countries were fighting the same enemies, pointing to chants of 'death to America' by groups linked to Iran.

The Israeli prime minister reiterated that Israel would not allow a Palestinian state to exist and claimed this position was supported by the majority of Israelis. He dismissed a UN commission's conclusion that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, calling it 'baseless'.

Netanyahu also rejected statements from multiple UN agencies alleging that Israel was deliberately restricting aid to Gaza, despite a UN-backed body confirming famine conditions in Gaza City.

Before his speech, Netanyahu's office ordered that the Israeli military mount loudspeakers on trucks near the Gaza perimeter fence to broadcast his words live across the territory. He claimed it was intended to reach Israeli hostages in Gaza, stating, 'We have not forgotten you, not even for a second.'

The speech faced sharp criticism within Israel, with opposition leaders describing it as weary and ineffective, questioning its relevance against the backdrop of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas had previously expressed a willingness to work with world leaders to implement a peace plan.

As of now, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with fears for their safety amid ongoing conflicts where thousands have died as a result of the Israeli military's actions since the onset of hostilities.