Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a starkly negative reception during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this week, as both diplomats and activists expressed their discontent with his remarks and the ongoing situation in Gaza. The fifth day of the UNGA’s high-level week was marked by protests inside and outside the assembly, highlighting a growing international disapproval of Israel’s actions and policies.
Netanyahu opened his address with a vehement denunciation of the nations that have recently recognized Palestinian statehood, claiming that their actions would only encourage terrorism against Jews and innocent people worldwide. “Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere,” he proclaimed, branding such recognition a “mark of shame” for those involved. He further drew a controversial parallel between the recognition of Palestinian statehood and granting a state to al Qaeda just a mile from New York City after the September 11 attacks—a comparison that many found inflammatory and deeply problematic.
As Netanyahu took the podium, a significant number of delegates stood up and exited the hall, resulting in a largely empty assembly space by the time he began speaking. Only a handful of supporters remained to cheer and applaud him from the balcony, a stark contrast to the discontent shown by many of the assembled nations. Outside the UN headquarters, protests were organized by various groups who oppose the Israeli government’s military operations in Gaza, which have reportedly caused substantial civilian displacement and suffering.
During his address, Netanyahu defended the Israeli military’s ongoing operations in Gaza, stating that “Israel must finish the job.” He claimed that the measures taken in Gaza City were necessary, as they have led to an estimated half a million individuals fleeing the area due to violence. The Prime Minister also expressed a personal commitment to bringing home Israeli hostages still believed to be held in Gaza, broadcasting his speech over loudspeakers aimed at the territory in the hope that the captives would hear his message of solidarity and resolve.
However, this sentiment did not resonate with many family members of the hostages, who criticized Netanyahu for neglecting to mention all those captured, particularly pointing out that he failed to address the fate of their loved ones adequately. Ruby Chen, the father of Itay Chen—an American Israeli soldier believed to have been killed on October 7—walked out of the assembly in protest after feeling that Netanyahu ignored the plight of his son. He expressed disappointment with the Prime Minister’s focus, remarking that it was “a speech about yesterday, not a speech about tomorrow.” Chen’s feelings echoed the sentiments of other families who have vocally accused Netanyahu of undermining their efforts to secure a ceasefire and bring their relatives home.
In the streets of New York City, hostage families organized their own protests against Netanyahu, demanding accountability for the ongoing violence and negligence they attribute to his government. Brad Lander, the New York City comptroller, joined demonstrators and held signs calling for the release of hostages, stating that Netanyahu’s actions have perpetuated the suffering of both Israeli hostages and Palestinians in Gaza. “We want the war to end,” he insisted, emphasizing the need for peace for all affected parties.
The division within the global community regarding the situation in Gaza was starkly illustrated by the remarks of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who spoke immediately following Netanyahu. Sharif condemned Israel’s military actions as a “genocidal onslaught” that has inflicted terror upon women and children, calling for the liberation of Palestine from “Israeli shackles.”
Meanwhile, China has been positioning itself as a counterbalance to U.S. dominance in international affairs, with Premier Li Qiang advocating for unity among nations during his own address at the UNGA. He emphasized the need for collaboration and justice, implicitly critiquing the prevailing “might makes right” mentality that has characterized U.S. foreign policy in recent years.
Amid these discussions, UNGA 80 has highlighted the organization’s ongoing challenges and its critical role in addressing global crises, including climate change and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock acknowledged the UN’s shortcomings while arguing for its necessity in maintaining peace and order in a turbulent world.
In a separate dialogue at UNGA, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the vice president of Yemen’s U.N.-recognized government, discussed his belief that the Iran-backed Houthi rebels could be defeated with international support, while also emphasizing the need for a return to a two-state framework for Yemen, reflecting the complexities of global geopolitical dynamics.
Looking ahead, Netanyahu is expected to meet with former President Trump at the White House on September 29, amid looming questions about the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations and the broader implications for regional stability.
As the UNGA continues, the issues raised during this gathering reflect a critical moment in international diplomacy, with calls for accountability, peace, and a reevaluation of longstanding policies gaining traction among a growing number of nations and advocacy groups worldwide.
