Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday sparked a dramatic protest as scores of delegates walked out, underscoring growing international unease over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
Netanyahu, speaking before a half-empty hall, vowed that Israel would “finish the job” of eliminating Hamas, which he described as the remnants of a “terror machine” entrenched in Gaza City.
“The final elements of Hamas are holed up in Gaza City,” Netanyahu declared. “They vow to repeat the atrocities of October 7 again and again. That is why Israel must finish the job – and as fast as possible.”
His remarks were broadcast not only to world leaders in New York but also over loudspeakers along the Gaza border, part of what his office described as a “public diplomacy effort.”
Netanyahu’s speech came as Israel intensified its offensive in northern Gaza, with Palestinians describing the bombardment as feeling like “the war has started all over again.” Aid groups, citing safety concerns, confirmed they had withdrawn staff from Gaza City.
The prime minister also highlighted Israel’s broader regional operations, boasting of strikes against Iran and its allied groups. “We hammered the Houthis, crippled Hezbollah, and devastated Iran’s atomic weapons program,” he said, drawing applause from the Israeli delegation despite the walkouts by many UN members.
READ ALSO: Netanyahu Warns of Economic Isolation, Hints at Self-Sufficiency for Israel
The address revived memories of October 7, when Hamas militants killed more than 1,200 people, including 40 Americans. Netanyahu wore a QR code on his jacket that linked to a site commemorating the attacks, telling delegates: “Much of the world may forget, but Israel remembers.”
His appearance at the UN comes ahead of a scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday.
Trump told reporters negotiations to end the Gaza war and secure the release of Israeli hostages were “very close.”
Meanwhile, families of hostages criticized the decision to broadcast Netanyahu’s UN speech into Gaza, calling it a political gesture that failed to prioritize their loved ones’ return.
The clash of symbolism – walkouts in New York, bombardments in Gaza, and hostage families protesting in Tel Aviv – highlighted the deep divides as the war grinds on with no resolution yet in sight.