Netanyahu Faces International Isolation Amid Gaza Crisis

The walkout during the UN General Assembly on September 24 highlighted Israel's increasing international isolation and the dire situation in Gaza, where the death toll has reached 73,928 and injuries total 175,030. Thousands are missing and presumed dead, with Israel having destroyed about 90 percent of Gaza's civilian infrastructure, leading to an estimated $70 billion in reconstruction costs according to the UN.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani labeled Netanyahu a “war criminal” prior to his UN visit.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, addressing the assembly via pre-recorded video from Ramallah, warned of a severe threat to Palestinian existence and called for action to prevent “another Nakba.” He emphasized the need to end Israeli military aggression and reunify Palestinian governance. Abbas welcomed President Trump's 20-point peace plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803, although neither has led to significant progress.