**Netanyahu’s UN Speech Met with Mass Walkout Over Gaza War**
*By Snehil Singh | September 27, 2025, 11:39 AM*
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Friday, delivering a controversial speech amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. His address was met with a mass walkout from delegates protesting Israel’s continued military campaign in Gaza.
Despite the widespread backlash, Netanyahu remained defiant, declaring that Israel “must finish the job” against Hamas.
### Speech Highlights: ‘Must Finish the Job’ Against Hamas
During his speech, Netanyahu revealed that his address was being broadcast via loudspeakers in Gaza so that Israeli hostages held by Hamas could hear his message. He also described an “unprecedented operation” in which Israeli intelligence services took control of cell phones in Gaza to stream his speech directly to the population.
Addressing Hamas, Netanyahu issued a stern ultimatum: “Lay down your arms. Let my people go.” He warned of severe consequences if Hamas failed to comply.
### Criticism and Defense
Netanyahu criticized Western leaders, accusing them of succumbing to international pressure. He stated emphatically that “Israel won’t” yield under such pressures. Additionally, he condemned countries recognizing Palestinian statehood as “disgraceful,” arguing that such recognition would only “encourage terrorism against Jews and innocent people everywhere.”
These remarks come amid ongoing war crimes charges against Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court.
### Protests and Global Reactions
As Netanyahu spoke, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered near the UN headquarters to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza. Nidaa Lafi, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Youth Movement, accused Israel of waging war against “every conscientious human being in this world,” describing the conflict as one rooted in ethnic cleansing and land theft.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump publicly opposed Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank. Trump stated firmly, “I will not allow it,” signaling potential diplomatic tensions over the issue.
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Netanyahu’s assertive stance at the UN reflects the intensifying conflict in Gaza, highlighting deep divisions on the international stage regarding the path forward for peace in the region.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/netanyahu-addresses-empty-chairs-as-un-delegates-walk-out/story