Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a striking display of dissent during his United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) address on Friday, as dozens of delegates walked out in protest. The walkout occurred shortly after Netanyahu criticized recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood by Western nations, calling them a reward for violence.
Tensions Over Two-State Solution
Netanyahu asserted that Palestinian leadership seeks to replace Israel rather than coexist, stating, "They don't want a state next to Israel. They want a Palestinian state instead of Israel." His remarks contrasted sharply with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' virtual UNGA speech a day earlier, where he reiterated recognition of Israel's right to exist and condemned Hamas' 2023 attack.
Global Reactions Intensify
Over 150 UN member states now recognize Palestine, with France, Canada, and Australia among recent additions. The walkout during Netanyahu's speech highlighted deepening diplomatic divides, as applause from some delegates mingled with boos. Abbas thanked supporting nations while emphasizing that antisemitism "has no connection to solidarity with Palestine."
Pathway to Peace?
The UNGA recently endorsed the New York Declaration, aiming to revive stalled two-state solution talks. However, with Netanyahu dismissing Palestinian commitment to peace and Abbas decrying Israel's "genocide" in Gaza, the path forward remains fraught. As global protests and policy shifts reshape the debate, the world watches whether diplomatic pressure can bridge this decades-old divide.
