Benjamin Netanyahu faces UN walkout during Gaza speech

During the 81st United Nations General Assembly, dozens of diplomatic delegations walked out of the assembly hall in protest while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his speech. Reports indicate that between 70 and 77 delegations, including representatives from Palestine, Türkiye, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Lebanon, South Africa, and several others, exited the room in a coordinated demonstration.

Netanyahu addressed the assembly amidst ongoing legal scrutiny regarding the conflict in Gaza. He denied allegations of genocide, characterizing the protesters as “moral cowards.” The speech occurs as the International Court of Justice continues to review a case brought by South Africa regarding the Genocide Convention, and following a 2025 UN commission report that accused Israel of committing genocide—a finding Israel has rejected.

Critics and commentators have characterized the address as a reversal of roles, noting that Netanyahu faces potential arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare. The speech has been described by opponents as a justification of military actions in Gaza against accusations of crimes against humanity.