Delegates Walk Out as Netanyahu Begins UN Speech

# Delegates Walk Out as Netanyahu Begins UN Speech

**New York —** A dramatic diplomatic protest unfolded at the UN General Assembly as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address. Delegates from dozens of countries stood up and walked out of the hall in protest over Israel’s war in Gaza and its policies toward the Palestinians.

Netanyahu responded by calling those who left “moral cowards,” before continuing his speech in an increasingly divided chamber.

An Israeli count later referred to **77 countries** whose seats were empty, but this figure included delegations that were not necessarily present in the hall and therefore should not be described as 77 confirmed walkouts.

Countries reported among those absent or leaving included **Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Türkiye, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, Algeria, Spain and Ireland**, among others.

The episode highlighted the deep diplomatic divisions surrounding the Gaza war and the wider Middle East conflict.

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