UN delegates walk out ahead of Netanyahu speech – the UK and US ‘stayed put’

Only a few delegates and those on the upper floor stayed (Picture: REUTERS)

Benjamin Netanyahu told dozens of empty chairs and his cheering supporters that his nation will ‘finish the job’ against Hamas.

The Israeli Prime Minister delivered a defiant speech to the United Nations General Assembly today.

But moments before taking to the lectern, representatives from dozens of countries walked out of the auditorium.

Only a few delegates ‘stayed put’, including those from the US and UK, the Associated Press reported.

The news agency noted that neither nation sent a senior official or UN ambassador to their sections, instead packing them with low-level staff.

After Netanyahu’s speech ended, a large group of observers in the balcony above gave him a standing ovation and pumped their fists in the air. Many were guests Netanyahu has invited, Israel’s mission to the UN said.

Netanyahu has seen diplomatic isolation in recent weeks, as world leaders pile on the pressure for him to ease his military campaign in Gaza.

The UK, alongside other major international players like France, Australia and Canada, have all recently said they recognise Palestinian statehood.

In response, Netanyahu told the audience that Israelis ‘will not commit national suicide’ by doing the same, as 150 UN members have done.

‘You know what message the leaders who recognise the Palestinian state this week sent to the Palestinians? It’s a very clear message: murdering Jews pays off,’ he said.

Netanyahu wrote a badge with a scannable QR code linked to a website filled with gruesome images of the October 7 (Picture: Getty Images North America)

Speaking earlier, Netanyahu said, ‘much of the world no longer remembers October 7,’ referring to the day Hamas killed some 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 251 people.

48 hostages are remaining in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed alive.

‘But we remember. Israel remembers,’ he said.

Netanyahu read the names of the 20 hostages thought to still be alive in Gaza – many families of the hostages have called for a cease-fire.

The premier added that speakers have been placed around the Gazan borders to address hostages directly, saying in Hebrew: ‘We have not forgotten you, not even for a second.’

‘Let them go. Let them go. All of them,’ he added, addressing Hamas.

He also showed delegates a map of Iran’s allies (Picture: AFP)

‘Those alive today must be returned alive, and the remains of those whom you brutally killed must be returned to their families.’

Israel has rejected several cease-fire deals, calling for the demilitarisation of Gaza and accusing Hamas of setting ‘impossible’ terms.

Hamas has said it would release all hostages in exchange for an end to the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has killed more than 65,500 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry today.

Gaza, a coastal enclave roughly a quarter the size of London, is also in the grips of a growing humanitarian crisis.

UN experts warned this month that the strip is at a ‘critical risk of famine’ that could see tens of thousands of children suffer malnutrition.

The Israeli leader repeatedly denied claims of genocide and famine (Picture: REUTERS)

A UN commission also found this month that Israel was committing genocide in the Palestinian enclave.

Netanyahu rejected the commission’s findings today. He said Hamas loots UN aid, a claim that Israel Defence Force officials have said is not true.

The leader added that Israel takes steps to warn Palestinians to leave areas its army is about to bomb.

He said: ‘We don’t want to see a single innocent person die. That’s always a tragedy. And that’s why we do so much to minimise civilian casualties, even as our enemies use civilians as human shields.’

Describing claims of genocide as ‘antisemitic lies’, he added: ‘Would we tell them, “Get out,” if we wanted to commit genocide?” Did the Nazis ask the Jews to kindly leave, go out?’

The PM is subject to an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court on war crimes charges, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war.

For nearly 20 years, Israel has had power over Gaza’s borders, being able to limit what food, fuel and supplies come in, called a blockade.

This also gives Israel a say on who can enter the strip – Gazans must apply for permits to leave, such as for medical treatment or work.

On October 7, 2023, the Israeli military issued a new order that allows permitted officers to risk up to 20 civilian deaths per strike, up from five.

Netanyahu ended his speech by saying: ‘The people of Israel live now, tomorrow, forever.’

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