NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 (WAFA) – A significant number of delegates participating in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly’s general debate left the hall as soon as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech.
The walkout came in protest against the crimes of genocide being committed by the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, which has so far resulted in the killing and injury of tens of thousands, mostly women and children.
Coinciding with Netanyahu’s speech, thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of New York in support of Gaza, expressing their opposition to his speech.
Participants, raising slogans calling for Netanyahu’s arrest, an end to the genocide carried out by the Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip, and the urgent opening of humanitarian corridors to aid civilians, also waved Palestinian flags and carried pro-Palestine banners.
Meanwhile, a significant diplomatic development underscored growing international support for Palestine, with the United Nations registering further recognitions of the State of Palestine on Monday.
The United Kingdom, France, Australia, Canada, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, Andorra, and Monaco joined the growing list of more than three-quarters of UN member states that have officially recognized the State of Palestine, reaffirming their commitment to the two-state solution and the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.
With this wave of recognitions, the number of countries that have officially recognized the State of Palestine has reached 159 out of 193 UN member states.
The list of countries recognizing the State of Palestine includes internationally influential political and economic powers such as Russia, China, Turkey, India, South Africa, Venezuela, Brazil, Sweden, Poland, Mexico, the Vatican, Norway, Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, Portugal, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Australia.
It is noteworthy that the UN General Assembly sessions are being held this year under the theme: “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.”
T.R.
