Diplomats walk out, protest Netanyahu’s UN speech amid assaults on Gaza and Lebanon
New York (Quds News Network)- A dramatic scene unfolded at the United Nations General Assembly today, as diplomats from multiple countries walked out in protest during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech, leaving the hall almost empty. The walkout, led by the Turkish delegation and joined by other nations, was in response to Netanyahu’s continued military aggression in Gaza and Lebanon.
Among those who exited the hall was the Iranian delegation, which left as Netanyahu began his address, signaling their disapproval of Israel’s ongoing assaults in the region.
Most diplomatic delegations have left the United Nations Hall as the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu begins his speech. pic.twitter.com/cdB3M0iPSv
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) September 27, 2024
Prior to Netanyahu’s arrival at the UN headquarters, protests erupted across New York City, with demonstrators gathering outside his residence. New York police arrested over 25 protesters, including actress Rowan Blanchard, for blocking the route Netanyahu was expected to take to the UN. The protest, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), called for Netanyahu to be tried as a war criminal for his actions in Gaza.
The protests in New York were mirrored by mass demonstrations organized by Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities outside Netanyahu’s residence. Thousands gathered, chanting against Netanyahu and the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon, condemning the genocide and war crimes.
Protests are expected to continue throughout Netanyahu’s stay in New York, with activists urging global leaders attending the UN General Assembly to pressure Israel to halt its military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon.
🚨 BREAKING: Thousands are marching to the UN to denounce the architect of the genocide in Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu, set to address world leaders on the floor of the UN. The people say: ARREST NETANYAHU FOR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY! Hands off Lebanon! End the genocide in Gaza!… pic.twitter.com/BvtPxd5nnS
— The People's Forum (@PeoplesForumNYC) September 26, 2024
Earlier in the week, world leaders at the UN condemned Israel’s actions. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva referred to Gaza as “one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history,” warning that the violence was now dangerously spilling into Lebanon. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose country is spearheading a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, declared, “We will not remain silent as apartheid is committed against others.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro also delivered a powerful statement, asserting that “The control of humanity on the basis of barbarism is under construction and its demonstration is Gaza, Lebanon. When Gaza dies, all humanity will die.” while criticizing the global inaction against the unfolding genocide.
