As delegates walk out, Netanyahu tells UN Israel must ‘finish job’ in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), attempting to justify his country’s genocide in Gaza and denouncing Western allies as global criticism over the nearly two-year war mounts.

Speaking at UNGA in New York on Friday, the increasingly isolated Israeli leader railed against the “disgraceful decision” by some Western countries in recent days to recognise a Palestinian state.

“It will be a mark of shame on all of you,” he said.

“Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism against Jews, and against innocent people everywhere.”

Netanyahu, who is facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza, delivered his speech to a sparse audience because many delegates left the General Assembly hall in protest as he made his way towards the stage.

Thousands of people, meanwhile, took to the streets of New York to protest against Netanyahu’s presence in the city and denounce Israel’s war on the besieged Gaza Strip, where Israeli attacks have killed more than 65,000 people.

“He is not welcome to New York City,” a representative of the Palestinian Youth Movement told Al Jazeera at the demonstration.

“It is unconscionable that elected officials in the US and in New York City and nationally are rolling the red carpet for him”.