The United Nations General Assembly witnessed an extraordinary moment on Friday when dozens of delegates stood up and walked out
The United Nations General Assembly witnessed an extraordinary moment on Friday when dozens of delegates stood up and walked out just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to deliver his speech. Cameras inside the chamber showed row after row of seats emptying, leaving Netanyahu to face a nearly vacant hall.
The move followed days of fiery speeches focused on the war in Gaza, now nearing its two-year mark, and highlighted just how sharply divided the international community remains over the conflict. On Thursday, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas had addressed the body virtually, receiving long applause and vocal support from delegates — a stark contrast to the silence that greeted Netanyahu.
But the Israeli prime minister seemed prepared for the cold reception inside the chamber. Instead of speaking only to the diplomats in front of him, he revealed that his remarks were being broadcast far beyond the walls of the UN. His address was streamed directly to cell phones in Gaza and carried on speakers surrounding the enclave.
