UN Delegates Walk Out During Netanyahu Speech
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a walkout by dozens of UN delegates during a speech at the General Assembly, prompting him to label the departing attendees as 'moral cowards.'
Dozens of delegates at the United Nations walked out of the hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to deliver a speech. Netanyahu, addressing the UN General Assembly in New York, referred to those who left as "moral cowards" and suggested that any who remained and felt similarly should also depart.
Supporters within the Israeli delegation were observed cheering for Netanyahu during his address. The walkout occurred amid ongoing international scrutiny of Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. A UN commission of inquiry has previously accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, accusations that Israel has strongly denied.
The current conflict began with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages. Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza has led to a reported death toll exceeding 73,920, according to the territory's health ministry.