Israeli PM Netanyahu’s Visit To UNGA Sparks Protests In New York City

Last Updated:September 27, 2025, 03:12 IST

Thousands protested in New York City against Israel’s war in Gaza as Netanyahu addressed the UNGA, facing a delegate walkout and global calls to halt conflict.

The protesters had gathered in Times Square before marching towards the UN. “Netanyahu you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide,” they chanted. (AFP photo)

Thousands of people staged protests in New York City against Israel’s war in Gaza as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to the city to address the United Nations General Assembly.

Reuters cited a video as showing protesters waved Palestinian flags, wore keffiyeh scarves and carried banners reading “Free Palestine,” “stop starving Gaza” and “Arms embargo now”.

The protesters had gathered in Times Square before marching towards the UN. “Netanyahu you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide,” they chanted.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s speech at the UNGA was overshadowed by a protest as dozens of delegates walked out of the hall while he addressed world leaders. Videos of the walkout were widely shared on social media, reflecting growing international unease over Israel’s war in Gaza.

The walkout showed deep divisions within the UN over Israel’s policies. While some delegates applauded Benjamin Netanyahu, others left the chamber in protest, forcing the chair to repeatedly call for order.

Israel faces mounting global pressure to end the conflict in Gaza and to halt any annexation of the West Bank. US President Donald Trump said earlier this week that he “will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank” while the United Kingdom and Germany have also warned Israel against such a move.

Despite the disruption, Benjamin Netanyahu pressed ahead with a fiery defence of Israel’s actions and warnings against Iran’s regional ambitions.

“The families of our hostages languishing in Gaza… Iran’s terror access threatens the peace of the entire world, the stability of our region, and the very existence of my country, Israel,” he said.

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