Tensions reached a boiling point at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue military operations against Hamas, calling for its "complete elimination." The speech drew immediate backlash, with delegations from Iran, Turkey, and several Arab and African nations staging a coordinated walkout.
In a striking visual protest, the Iranian delegation placed graphic photos of Palestinian children killed in recent Israeli airstrikes on their desks, transforming the assembly hall into a somber memorial. The images underscored growing global divisions over the Gaza conflict, which has claimed over 34,000 lives according to local health authorities.
Analysts note the walkout reflects deepening diplomatic fractures, particularly among Global South nations. "This moment crystallizes the geopolitical polarization surrounding Palestine," said Dr. Amina Khalid, a Middle East affairs researcher at the Geneva Policy Institute. "It also tests the UN's role as a neutral platform for conflict resolution."
Netanyahu's address reiterated Israel's right to self-defense while accusing Hamas of using civilians as "human shields." The Israeli military confirmed fresh strikes on Gaza hours after the speech, citing "elimination of high-value targets."
