Israel: Netanyahu Speaks at UN to Empty Seats as Delegates Walk Out Over Gaza
Netanyahu sought to distance himself and Israel from allegations of genocide and deliberate starvation, rejecting charges that have mounted since the war began nearly two years ago. “Israel is deliberately feeding the people of Gaza,” he declared, dismissing mounting reports of widespread hunger, disease, and malnutrition in the blockaded territory.
On accusations of genocide, the Israeli leader doubled down, insisting: “Israel is applying more measures to minimize civilian casualties than any military in history.” His remarks were delivered as UN agencies warn of catastrophic food insecurity in Gaza, where the health system has crumbled and aid convoys are regularly blocked or attacked.
Since October 2023, the Israeli army has killed more than 65,500 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza, most of them women and children. The figures have fueled a chorus of international condemnation and spurred the International Court of Justice to consider genocide charges against Israel.
Netanyahu, however, painted Israel’s war as part of a wider global struggle. “I’m sure there are people in New York or in London or in Melbourne and elsewhere who are probably thinking, what does all of this have to do with me? And the answer is everything. Because our enemies are your enemies,” he said, attempting to link Israel’s fight with Western security interests.
He accused Iran and allied groups of orchestrating assassination attempts against the U.S. president, while also railing against the growing recognition of a Palestinian state, claiming countries had done “something horribly wrong.”
Turning to regional issues, Netanyahu claimed “serious negotiations” had begun with Syria’s new government, once considered “unimaginable.” On Lebanon, he insisted Israel would continue to occupy outposts in the south despite a truce mandating withdrawal, saying forces were needed to “monitor Hezbollah” and “prevent attacks.”
Yet the starkest image of the day remained the empty chamber at the UN, a symbol of Israel’s growing isolation. Netanyahu’s words echoed through a hall stripped of much of its audience, underscoring how deeply divided the international community has become over Gaza’s devastation.
