During a contentious speech at the UN General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized several Western nations for recognizing a Palestinian state, calling it a “mark of shame” that implies “murdering Jews pays off.” His address coincided with protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza, while a significant number of diplomats walked out as he began speaking.

Netanyahu discussed Israeli military operations against groups in the region, thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for military actions against Iran, and likened Hamas’s recent attacks on Israel to the 9/11 attacks in the U.S. He reiterated Israel’s stance against the establishment of a Palestinian state and dismissed accusations from a UN commission regarding genocide in Gaza as “baseless.”

In a controversial move, Netanyahu claimed Israeli intelligence hacked into phones in Gaza to broadcast his speech, a claim the BBC reported they could not verify. He expressed solidarity with Israeli hostages in Gaza, stating, “We have not forgotten you.”

The speech drew criticism from various Israeli opposition figures, who described it as ineffective and focused on victimhood. Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas spoke before Netanyahu, suggesting a willingness to work towards peace. Following Netanyahu’s address, Trump hinted at potential developments regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, though specifics were not provided. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 65,000 reported deaths in Gaza since the military campaign began.



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