A significant number of diplomats walked out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, in protest of Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza and recent airstrikes in Lebanon.
As Netanyahu began his speech, several diplomats swiftly exited the hall, prompting the presiding official to call for “order, please.” This incident followed a senior Hamas official’s call for world leaders to boycott Netanyahu’s remarks.
During his address, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to targeting Hezbollah militants in Lebanon “with all our might,” despite ongoing diplomatic efforts from the US, European allies, and various Arab nations to establish a three-week cease-fire.
Netanyahu’s presence in New York coincided with increasing international calls for cease-fires in both Gaza and Lebanon, amid rising concerns about a broader Middle East conflict.
In Lebanon, Israel has intensified its offensive against Hezbollah, conducting heavy airstrikes that began in central Beirut. These strikes have sent thick clouds of smoke billowing into the sky, causing panic and chaos in densely populated areas. The escalation has raised fears of further destruction, as residents prepare for continued bombardment.
The war in Gaza is nearing its one-year anniversary and has devastated the territory, with over 42,000 casualties and nearly the entire population displaced at least once. In northern Gaza, residents are facing severe food shortages as relentless airstrikes and tank fire have obliterated entire neighborhoods, families, and critical infrastructure, including homes, schools, and hospitals.
