**Netanyahu’s UN Speech Met with Mass Walkout Over Gaza War**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025 | 11:39 AM*
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Friday, delivering a speech that sparked significant controversy and resulted in a mass walkout by delegates protesting Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
### “Must Finish the Job” Against Hamas, Says Netanyahu
During his address, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s determination to continue its operations against Hamas, stating that Israel “must finish the job.” He revealed that his speech was being broadcast through loudspeakers in Gaza for Israeli hostages to hear and claimed an “unprecedented operation” where Israeli intelligence hacked into cell phones in Gaza to stream his speech directly to the population.
In a pointed message to Hamas, Netanyahu declared, “Lay down your arms. Let my people go,” warning of severe consequences if the group did not comply.
### Criticism and Defense
Netanyahu criticized Western leaders for what he described as succumbing to pressure, asserting firmly that “Israel won’t” yield. He condemned countries recognizing Palestinian statehood as “disgraceful,” claiming such moves would “encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere.” These statements come amid ongoing war crime charges against Netanyahu from the International Criminal Court.
### Pro-Palestinian Protests Near the UN
As Netanyahu spoke, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the United Nations headquarters. Nidaa Lafi from the Palestinian Youth Movement condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of waging war against “every conscientious human being in this world.” She characterized the conflict as one rooted in ethnic cleansing and land theft.
### US Position on West Bank Annexation
In a related development, US President Donald Trump expressed opposition to Israeli annexation plans for the West Bank, stating, “I will not allow it.”
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Netanyahu’s controversial UN speech and the surrounding events underscore the deepening tensions and global divisions over the Gaza conflict and the broader Israeli-Palestinian issue.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/netanyahu-addresses-empty-chairs-as-un-delegates-walk-out/story