Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, defending Israel's military actions in Gaza and criticizing international opponents, according to reports by The Guardian. The speech took place amid widespread protests on the streets of New York City and a walkout by dozens of international delegates inside the UN headquarters.
Netanyahu's Address to the UN
During his speech, Netanyahu rejected accusations against Israel's military campaign, calling the war the "opposite of genocide," as reported by The Guardian. The Israeli leader used the platform to attack critics of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, regional leaders including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the media, and commentator Hasan Piker. Netanyahu also targeted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, labeling him "antisemitic" in what The Guardian described as an inflammatory address aimed at rallying his right-wing base ahead of upcoming elections in Israel.
According to The Guardian, Netanyahu's speech also decried what he described as a global anti-Jewish conspiracy. The address came at a time when the Israeli prime minister is facing international isolation and a political struggle for survival in Israel's upcoming elections.
Protests and Arrests in New York
As Netanyahu spoke, dozens of diplomats and UN delegates walked out of the assembly hall in protest, according to The Guardian. Outside the UN headquarters, large-scale demonstrations took place, bringing together hundreds of Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian, and Lebanese New Yorkers, alongside local politicians, election candidates, and public figures.
The New York Police Department detained more than 100 demonstrators during the protests, The Guardian reported. Among those arrested were actor Susan Sarandon, whistleblower Chelsea Manning, and comedian Caleb Hearon. Protesters gathered under slogans such as "Let Gaza live" to voice their opposition to the Israeli Prime Minister's visit and the ongoing war. The demonstration was one of several protests held throughout the week against the Israeli prime minister.
Gaza Recovery Plan Unveiled
Meanwhile, other developments related to Gaza's future occurred on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. According to BBC News, a group known as Trump's Board of Peace held a meeting in New York where it unveiled a $2.45 billion recovery plan for Gaza. The announcement of the multi-billion dollar plan coincided with the high-level diplomatic gatherings in the city.