Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to “finish the job” in Gaza, while dismissing international recognition of Palestinian statehood as “insane,” during a contentious address to the United Nations General Assembly.
Speaking just days after the UK, France, Canada, and Australia formally recognised Palestine, Netanyahu rejected a two-state solution, saying: “Giving the Palestinians a state one mile from Jerusalem after October 7 is like giving al-Qaeda a state one mile from New York City after September 11. It’s insane, and we won’t do it.”
Mass walkout
The speech began with a dramatic protest, as more than 100 diplomats from over 50 countries walked out of the assembly hall. Israel’s ambassador to the UN later claimed the action had been coordinated by the Palestinian mission in the United States.
Unlike last year, the scale of the walkout was significantly larger, leaving much of the UN’s 1,800-capacity hall empty. Reports noted that delegations from the US and UK remained but were staffed largely by junior officials rather than senior diplomats.
Targeting recognition of Palestine
Netanyahu sharply criticised countries that had recognised Palestine, telling them: “You didn’t do something right. You did something wrong, horribly wrong. Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere.”
His comments followed remarks from US President Donald Trump, who said he would prevent Israel from annexing the West Bank, despite proposals from Netanyahu’s right-wing allies to take over up to 82% of the territory.
Escalation in Gaza
The speech came as Gaza faced intensified bombardment. AFP reported that more than 22 people were killed in strikes on Friday, while Al Jazeera cited up to 47 deaths, including eight people in a tent camp for displaced families in central Gaza.
“The final remnants of Hamas are holed up in Gaza City,” Netanyahu declared. “We must finish the job so we do not face October 7 again and again.” He denied accusations of genocide, arguing that Israel had urged civilians to evacuate.
Props and protests
Netanyahu’s office claimed the speech was broadcast into Gaza via hijacked phones, though Associated Press reporters inside the territory said they saw no evidence of this. Thousands protested the address outside in New York City, including a major rally at Times Square.
Ultimatum to Hamas
Addressing the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, Netanyahu issued an ultimatum: “Lay down your arms. Free the hostages now. If you do, you will live. If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.”
The Israeli leader insisted that, despite public criticism, foreign governments secretly support his campaign. “They privately thank us for preventing terrorist attacks in their capitals,” he said, without naming specific countries.