ID) . '?utm_source=news-flash&utm_medium=web"> Download Punch Lite App
Delegates walk out as Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 81st United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City on September 24. Hindustan Times | (REUTERS)
Dozens of delegates walked out as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday. According to Hindustan Times on Friday, the walkout was encouraged by the Palestinian Mission to the UN, whose representatives were also scheduled to speak later in the day. As Netanyahu began speaking, delegates in the hall started leaving, while his supporters inside the venue cheered him as he referred to those departing as “phony human rights protesters.” “Where were you when the Iranian tyrants butchered and maimed tens of thousands of unarmed Iranian civilians?” Netanyahu said, adding, “ If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall, please do so now. ” Hindustan Times reported that a confirmed list of all the countries whose delegates walked out during Netanyahu’s speech had not been reported, although multiple outlets said “dozens” of delegates left. Make PUNCH part of your everyday experience. Add us to your Preferred Sources Photos from the convention centre showed empty seats belonging to Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Algeria, Iran, Malaysia, Montenegro and Kyrgyzstan, among others. Jordan, Libya, the Marshall Islands and Mauritius also had empty seats. However, Hindustan Times noted that many of the countries had at least one delegate remaining in the hall, while others had left in protest. Related News US defence chief faces pressure after Republican losses Eisenkot favoured as Netanyahu ally withholds endorsement Iran war cost Republicans midterm elections — Vance Netanyahu attacks Mamdani During his UNGA speech, Netanyahu also criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a critic of Netanyahu and Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the 81st United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on September 24, 2026. Mamdani had released a video shortly before Netanyahu’s speech showing him planting an olive tree, a cultural symbol of Palestine, at Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s official residence. The video also showed him having dinner with a Palestinian family. “Mr. Mamdani, you tried to stop me from coming here,” Netanyahu said in his speech. “You tried to silence me. Well, you can’t silence me, you can’t silence the truth. And here’s the simple truth. Israel didn’t commit genocide. Israel prevented genocide.” “The lies you and other antisemites spread about the Jews and the Jewish state have real consequences,” he added. Here is the full text of Netanyahu’s speech in his address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Tosin Oyediran Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
NEWS UPDATE: Nigerians can now earn as much as $15,000- $25,000 with premium domains. You decide if you want payment in Naira or US Dollars. Be sure to ask for evidence and proof of people benefitting daily from this. CLICK HERE TO START.
ATTENTION NIGERIANS: You can now comfortably earn US Dollars when you acquire premium domains for as low as $3000 and profit $15,000-$35,000. Ideal for professionals like Entrepreneurs, Doctors, Civil/Public servants, IT Experts, Accountants ETC. CLICK HERE TO START.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!
Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App . Download now and never miss a beat.
Unlock the full print replica on any device - every page, every day. Subscribe now for instant e-edition access.
punchng.com © 1971- 2026 Punch Nigeria Limited
Loading comments…