An extraordinary scene of diplomatic protest unfolded in the United Nations General Assembly hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approached the podium to deliver his address at the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 81). Delegates and diplomats representing scores of nations—including Bangladesh—staged a mass walkout in protest against Israel’s ongoing military campaign and the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon.
On Friday (September 25, 2026), hundreds of world representatives vacated their seats inside the UN Headquarters General Assembly hall, leaving vast rows of seats conspicuously empty as Netanyahu began his speech.
As diplomats filed out of the auditorium, members of the Israeli delegation cheered and applauded in support of their Prime Minister. Addressing the depleted hall, Netanyahu condemned the protesting diplomats, branding them “moral cowards.” He stated that those who disagreed with his remarks ought to leave, while further challenging remaining opposition delegates inside the hall to walk out as well.
Israel has faced severe global diplomatic pressure over its sustained military operations in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. A high-level UN inquiry commission previously categorized Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide—a charge Israel has repeatedly rejected.
The conflict erupted following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages taken. In response, Israel launched a full-scale offensive in Gaza. According to the latest figures from Gaza’s Ministry of Health, the death toll from Israeli operations has surpassed 73,920, the majority of whom are women and children.
