Netanyahu Denies Gaza Genocide Claims as UN Delegates Walk Out
Israeli PM defends military actions while facing ICJ case and widespread international criticism.
1Defiant UN address
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu categorically denied genocide allegations during his UN General Assembly speech, calling them "the biggest lie of the century." He framed Israel's military actions as genocide prevention rather than perpetration. The speech occurred amid an ongoing International Court of Justice case brought by South Africa. While the ICJ ordered provisional measures under the Genocide Convention, it hasn't issued a final ruling. Netanyahu's claims about Gaza polio vaccinations and food aid contrasted sharply with UN commission findings from 2025 that concluded genocide had occurred.
2Contentious NYC relations
Netanyahu directly attacked New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during his speech, labeling him antisemitic and accusing him of inciting violence against Jewish residents. This reflects heightened tensions in NYC where 57% of 2025 hate crimes targeted Jewish people according to NYPD data. Mamdani has proposed increasing hate crime prevention funding from $3M to $26M while maintaining a dedicated antisemitism office. The mayor countered by referencing Netanyahu's ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, though acknowledged lacking authority to execute it locally.
3Regional accusations
Netanyahu expanded his criticism beyond Palestine, accusing Qatar of spending billions to "brainwash" youth against Israel through universities and Al Jazeera. He also condemned Turkey as a "super-spreader of antisemitic lies" for hosting Hamas leaders. These remarks came after Netanyahu praised the joint US-Israel operation against Iran's nuclear program, calling the attack "one of the easiest decisions" of his tenure. Neither Qatar nor Turkey had responded to the allegations at time of reporting.
4Palestinian response
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a prerecorded message after being denied a US visa, describing "unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza. He accused Israel of ethnic cleansing and called for full UN membership for Palestine. Abbas condemned US visa restrictions as "unlawful punitive measures" while questioning international silence on weapons transfers to Israel. His address highlighted the ongoing diplomatic isolation faced by Palestinian leadership in international forums.
5Casualty figures disputed
The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 73,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, with 1,400 more since the October 2025 ceasefire. As the primary data source for international organizations, the ministry's figures don't distinguish combatants from civilians. IDF estimates suggest 83% civilian death rate. Meanwhile, the UN estimates $70 billion needed to repair Gaza's war-damaged infrastructure, illustrating the conflict's devastating physical and economic toll.
6International reactions
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described Gaza's destruction as unprecedented in his tenure, warning of "ethnic cleansing" risks. French President Macron questioned international credibility over Gaza inaction, while UK PM Burnham stressed commitment to a two-state solution. These statements contrasted with Trump's claim of having ended the war, despite key elements of the 2025 peace agreement—including Hamas disarmament and governance plans—remaining unimplemented.
7Protest movements
Hundreds protested outside the UN chanting "stop arming Israel" during Netanyahu's visit, reflecting growing global opposition to Israeli military actions. The demonstrations paralleled diplomatic walkouts during his speech, where dozens of delegates left in protest. These coordinated actions illustrate how the Gaza conflict has mobilized both institutional and grassroots international responses against Israeli policies.
8Legal and diplomatic fallout
The event underscores deepening legal pressures on Israel, with simultaneous ICJ and ICC cases progressing alongside UN condemnations. Netanyahu's combative rhetoric appears aimed at domestic audiences ahead of elections, while further isolating Israel diplomatically. The walkouts and protests signal eroding international patience, potentially affecting arms transfers and economic relations critical to Israel's strategic position.
Original article: TIME — Netanyahu Denies Gaza Genocide Claims as UN Delegates Walk Out