Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, September 24, rejected allegations that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, calling them “the biggest lie of the century” during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions and said the country had the right to defend itself. His speech was met with cheers, boos and a mass walkout by delegates, leaving many seats in the General Assembly hall empty.
As Netanyahu approached the podium, scores of delegates left the hall. UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman repeatedly called for order.
Netanyahu criticised those who walked out, calling them “moral cowards”.
“If there are any other moral cowards who have not yet left the hall, please do so now,” he said.
Netanyahu Defends Israel’s War Against Iran
Netanyahu also defended Israel’s military action against Iran, saying attacking the country “was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make”.
He claimed Israel was also protecting other countries from Iran.
“In defending itself, Israel is also defending many of the countries whose delegates just left this hall,” Netanyahu said.
He also thanked US President Donald Trump for what he described as decisive action against Iran.
“We will continue to win because we have no other choice,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu referred to the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, in which about 1,200 people were killed in Israel and 251 people were taken hostage, according to Israeli figures.
Palestinians Call for Mass Walkout
The Palestinian Mission to the UN had called on member states to organise a collective walkout when Netanyahu began his speech.
The mission urged countries to send a message that they would not support what it described as Israel’s “genocide and war crimes”.
Israel rejects allegations of genocide and war crimes in Gaza.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN General Assembly earlier on Thursday through a prerecorded speech after the United States denied visas to him and other senior Palestinian officials.
“We will not leave our homeland. We will not accept displacement. And we will not allow anyone to decide our future on our behalf,” Abbas said.
He also called on the international community to take action over the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
Gaza War and Civilian Deaths
The war began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Israel subsequently launched a military offensive in Gaza.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas run administration, at least 73,922 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict. The figures are widely used by international organisations, although the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its overall death toll.
A ceasefire agreed between Israel and Hamas last October halted the heaviest fighting and led to the release of remaining hostages, but major issues including Hamas disarmament and Gaza’s reconstruction remain unresolved.
Netanyahu also rejected criticism over Israeli settler violence in the West Bank, describing those involved as a “handful of young juvenile delinquents”.
The Israeli government disputes allegations that its policies amount to genocide and continues to defend its military campaign as necessary for Israel’s security.
