Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s decision to launch an attack on Iran during his address to the UN General Assembly on Thursday, as a large number of delegates walked out of the chamber in protest.
Netanyahu faced a mixed reaction as he took the podium, with some delegates applauding while others booed. Scores of representatives then left the hall, leaving rows of seats vacant as he began his speech, reports AP.
Defending the decision to strike Iran, Netanyahu described it as one of the easiest decisions he had made. He also sharply rebuked those who had left the chamber, accusing them of lacking courage.
“If there are any other moral cowards who have not yet left the hall, please do so now,” Netanyahu said.
The Palestinian Mission to the United Nations had earlier urged delegations to leave the General Assembly chamber during Netanyahu’s speech.
Hamas signals readiness to advance Gaza peace plan
Meanwhile, Hamas said it was ready to proceed with the next phase of a proposed Gaza peace agreement following the unveiling of a six-month reconstruction programme valued at $2.45 billion by US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the group was fully prepared to implement the roadmap presented by the Board of Peace. However, he did not mention any provision under which Hamas would surrender its weapons.
Israel has maintained that reconstruction in Gaza cannot move forward unless Hamas disarms.
Hamas had previously agreed to a proposal that included disarmament but has since accused Israel of violating ceasefire arrangements. Israel and Hamas have continued to exchange allegations over breaches of the agreement, while Israel maintains a presence across large areas of Gaza.
A senior European Union official said only €1 billion ($1.1 billion) has so far been secured toward the estimated €71 billion ($80.8 billion) needed to rebuild Gaza.
The reconstruction estimate was jointly prepared by the United Nations, the World Bank and the 27-member European Union.
