Netanyahu‘s UN Speech Featuring Gaza Speakers Sparks Diplomatic Walkout, Ceasefire Hopes
NEW YORK – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday was met with a rare display of protest as dozens of diplomats walked out during a portion of his speech where he displayed images adn audio purportedly from Gaza.The demonstration occurred as Netanyahu showcased what he claimed were recordings of Hamas operatives discussing their actions, played through speakers positioned to simulate the soundscape of the territory.
Netanyahu dedicated the latter part of his speech to regional neighbors, stating progress toward a tension-reducing agreement with Syria and urging the Lebanese government to expedite efforts to disarm Hezbollah. The presentation of audio from Gaza drew immediate condemnation from opposition leaders within Israel. Yair Lapid criticized the speech, stating it “made the state of Israel’s standing even worse,” while Yair Golan of the Democrats’ Party described the tactic as “invalid, childish and crazy,” labeling it a ”propaganda show.”
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, also addressing the UN General Assembly, stated his readiness to collaborate with international leaders on a peace plan for Israelis and Palestinians. Following Netanyahu’s speech, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated a potential breakthrough, telling journalists, “I think we reached an agreement on Gaza,” tho he offered no further details.
The presentation of data from Gaza is intricate by Israel’s restrictions on independent journalist access to the territory since the start of the conflict following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages. The Gaza Ministry of Health, controlled by Hamas, reports at least 65,549 deaths in Gaza due to Israeli attacks since that date. The limited access has made independent verification of claims from both sides challenging, with some journalists being brought into Gaza under the control of the Israeli army.
