Dozens of diplomats walked out of the UN General Assembly hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium. The session’s chair struggled to restore order amid boos, cheers, and a visibly emptying chamber.
Netanyahu speaking to an empty hall #UNGA80 pic.twitter.com/7pMbW5BUQJ
— State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) September 26, 2025
Speaking directly to hostages held in Gaza, Netanyahu vowed: “We have not forgotten you… we will not rest until we bring you home.” He warned Hamas leaders to surrender, saying: “Lay down your arms and free the hostages now. If you do, you will live. If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.”
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Netanyahu claimed Israeli intelligence had hacked Gaza’s mobile phones to broadcast his voice, and loudspeakers had been set up across the territory to deliver his message.
Happening now at the UN General Assembly:
Diplomats walked out during Netanyahu’s speech.
He is left speaking to an empty room.
The world is no longer listening to Israel’s propaganda. pic.twitter.com/yV704rh32t
— sarah (@sahouraxo) September 26, 2025
Dismissing Genocide Allegations
The prime minister dismissed accusations of genocide, declaring: “If Hamas agrees to demands, war could end.” He insisted Israel’s military had rebounded from “its darkest day” to achieve “one of the most stunning comebacks in history.”
Holding up a regional map, Netanyahu crossed out threats he said Israel had neutralized, including Hezbollah and Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
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Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump told reporters he believed Washington was close to brokering a deal to ease fighting in Gaza. “I think we maybe have a deal on Gaza, very close to a deal,” he said, though previous claims of imminent agreements have not materialized.
The speech came shortly after the UK, France, Canada, and Australia formally recognized a Palestinian state — a move aimed at reviving the two-state solution.
Gaza War Enters Second Year
Nearly two years into the war, UN agencies have continued warning of a dire humanitarian crisis. Israel’s recent ground offensive in Gaza City has forced thousands to flee south.
Israel argues the operation is necessary to dismantle Hamas following its October 2023 attack that killed more than 1,200 people and kidnapped 251. Netanyahu told the UN: “They beheaded men. They raped women. They burned babies alive — in front of their parents.”
With additional input by GVS US and Intl desk