Embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a walkout protest over the conflict in Gaza before his speech at the UN General Assembly in New York. Delegates from various countries staged the walkout in response to a letter circulated by the Palestinian mission at the UN, urging a united stand against what they deemed as genocide, war crimes, and illegal occupation by Netanyahu’s government.
The conflict in Gaza, which began two years ago after an assault by Hamas, has led to dire conditions, including famine, and accusations of genocide by Israel against Palestinians. Despite increasing international pressure and calls for resolution, Netanyahu insisted on Israel’s resolve to continue its operations against Hamas in Gaza during his address at the UN. He strongly criticized countries recognizing a Palestinian state, labeling their decisions as encouraging terrorism.
Amid these developments, reports emerged of discussions involving former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair potentially leading a post-war transitional authority in Gaza with support from the White House, UN, and Gulf nations. Additionally, several countries, including the UK, Canada, France, and Australia, recently announced their recognition of an independent Palestinian state, further complicating the situation.
Netanyahu, who denies accusations of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, remained defiant in his stance before meeting with US President Donald Trump. The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, expressed rejection of Hamas’ actions and emphasized the need for a post-war governance plan in Gaza that excludes the militant group.
The longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine, rooted in territorial disputes and historical tensions, continues to pose challenges to achieving a lasting peace settlement. The Gaza war, triggered by Hamas’ attack in 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and ongoing humanitarian crises, highlighting the urgency for diplomatic efforts to address the complex issues at hand.