Scores of diplomats walked out in protest as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the stage at the 2024 UN General Assembly. The walkout was a response to Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, which has devastated the region and led to tens of thousands of deaths, as well as recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
🟡 NOW: UN member states lead a mass walkout as Netanyahu takes the stage at the UN General Assembly. The hall is almost empty now. pic.twitter.com/sr44MuFNz3
— red. (@redstreamnet) September 27, 2024
Gaza: A Region in Crisis
As the war on Gaza nears its one-year mark, the enclave has become an uninhabitable nightmare. Over 42,000 people have been killed, and nearly all residents have fled their homes at least once. With famine looming in northern Gaza, entire neighborhoods, schools, and hospitals have been wiped out by air strikes and tank fire.
Escalation in Lebanon
Netanyahu’s speech also defended Israel’s recent escalations in Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 700 people, including women and children. Despite the mounting death toll, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not stop until all hostages were returned safely.
Defiance Against Global Calls for Ceasefire
While many world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, have called for a ceasefire, Netanyahu rejected the idea, stating Israel would continue striking Hezbollah in Lebanon. Shortly after his speech, Israeli fighter jets launched intense airstrikes on Beirut, targeting what they claimed were Hezbollah headquarters.
Rising Tensions with Iran
Netanyahu also warned Iran, vowing to retaliate if Tehran were to attack Israel. Tensions between the two nations have been high following Israel’s attack on Iran’s embassy in Damascus and the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
Global Condemnation
As world leaders gathered in New York, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Israel’s actions, accusing the country of genocide and asking, “Who is responsible for the killing of 15,000 Palestinian children, if not Israel?”
Netanyahu’s defiant speech has sparked global outrage, with many countries demanding an immediate end to the violence.
