Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Delivers Controversial Speech at UN General Assembly
In a combative address to the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Western countries' recognition of a Palestinian state as a "mark of shame" that sends the message "murdering Jews pays off." The remarks sparked a walk-out from dozens of officials and diplomats, leaving large parts of the conference hall empty.
According to eyewitnesses, the walk-out was led by representatives from several European countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, which have all recently recognized Palestine as a sovereign state. Outside the UN headquarters in New York, protesters against Israel's war in Gaza gathered in Times Square, holding signs and chanting slogans.
Netanyahu's speech also drew parallels between Hamas's attacks on Israel and the 9/11 terrorist attack, linking both to a shared enemy in the region. "The same terrorists who murdered innocent civilians in New York are now firing rockets at our cities," he said. "We will not be intimidated by these threats."
According to sources within the UN, the walk-out was a clear indication of the international community's growing frustration with Israel's military action in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life, with many accusing Israel of disproportionate use of force.
The recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state has been a contentious issue for years, with many countries arguing that it is a necessary step towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, Netanyahu's comments have sparked outrage among Palestinian leaders, who see his words as an attempt to delegitimize their struggle for self-determination.
"We will not be deterred by these attempts to silence us," said Saeb Erekat, chief negotiator for the Palestinian Authority. "We will continue to seek recognition of our state and our right to live in peace and security."
The controversy surrounding Netanyahu's speech has highlighted the deep divisions within the international community over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these tensions will play out on the world stage.
In a statement released after the speech, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern about the escalating violence in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire. "The United Nations is committed to supporting all parties in their efforts to achieve peace and security," he said.
As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a pressing issue on the global agenda, with no easy solutions in sight.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BREAKING: BBC Breaking.
