Delegates Walk Out as Netanyahu Condemns Recent Palestinian State Recognitions at UNGA

During the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked controversy as numerous delegates exited the hall in protest while he delivered his address. Netanyahu condemned countries that recently recognized the State of Palestine, asserting, "The message sent to Palestinians this week is clear: murdering Jews pays off."

Western nations including France, Britain, Portugal, Australia, and Canada have recently extended recognition to Palestine in support of the two-state solution, joining over 150 UN member states, except Israel and its allies such as the United States. Netanyahu faced boos from some delegates and walked out by many.

In his remarks, Netanyahu accused the Palestinians of rejecting the two-state solution, stating, "They never have. They don't want a state next to Israel; they want a Palestinian state instead of Israel." He further claimed that longstanding Palestinian rejection of a Jewish state underlies the century-long conflict. Netanyahu emphasized that his opposition to a Palestinian state reflects not just his government's stance but that of the Israeli people and state.

Conversely, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, addressing the assembly via video link, recalled that the Palestinian Authority recognized Israel's right to exist as early as 1988 and reaffirmed this in 1993. He described the ongoing situation in Gaza as "a war of genocide, destruction, starvation, and displacement" carried out by Israeli occupation forces, citing over 220,000 Palestinian casualties, many of whom are women and children.

Abbas condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, clarifying that these acts "do not represent the Palestinian people, nor their just struggle for freedom and independence." He also expressed gratitude to nations recognizing Palestinian statehood and to global supporters of Palestinian rights, while rejecting any confusion between solidarity with Palestine and antisemitism.

Earlier this month, the UNGA endorsed a draft resolution backing the New York Declaration on peacefully resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict and implementing the two-state solution. The declaration, presented at a recent UN conference, outlines steps toward achieving a peaceful settlement between Israel and Palestine.