UN delegates walk out as Netanyahu condemns Palestine recognition
Benjamin Netanyahu (photo: Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Western countries for recognizing Palestine. According to him, they are sending the signal that killing Jews is rewarded, reports Reuters.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu reacted in the strongest terms to actions by key US allies, who have increased Israel’s international isolation due to the nearly two-year war in the Gaza Strip.
“This week, the leaders of France, Britain, Australia, Canada and other countries unconditionally recognized a Palestinian state. They did so after the horrors committed by Hamas on October 7 -- horrors praised on that day by nearly 90% of the Palestinian population,” the prime minister stated.
He added that it is a disgrace and shared his view on the message such a move sends.
“You know what message the leaders who recognize the Palestinian state this week sent to the Palestinians? It's a very clear message: murdering Jews pays off,” Netanyahu said.
As he took the stage, dozens of delegates left the hall, while some in the balcony gave him applause. Meanwhile, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters blocked traffic near Times Square in New York.
Following Netanyahu, leaders of Arab and Muslim countries took the podium one by one, condemning Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Shortly after Netanyahu, speaking at the UN, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, who recognized Palestine in 2024, called Israel’s actions in Gaza a rejection of all norms, all international rules and laws.
Trump continues to push for an agreement
On Friday, US President Donald Trump, for the second consecutive day, told reporters that a deal to end the war and return the remaining hostages home is near, without providing any explanation for his optimism.
According to a senior White House official speaking to Reuters, Trump will meet with Netanyahu in Washington starting Monday to work out the framework for the agreement.
Additionally, a few hours ago, Trump posted on social media that intensive negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza have been ongoing for four days and will continue as long as necessary to successfully reach an agreement.
