Netanyahu attacks Palestinian recognition as dozens walk out of UN speech

Officials and diplomats left the auditorium in protest as the Israeli leader took the stage, leaving large parts of the hall empty.

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Netanyahu labelled the recognition moves a "mark of shame" that sent the message that "murdering Jews pays off".

Dozens of officials and diplomats staged a walk-out as he took to the podium, leaving large parts of the conference hall empty. Outside, protesters against Israel's war in Gaza gathered in Times Square.

Israel has come under huge international pressure over its military action in Gaza, culminating in the UK, France, Canada, Australia and other countries recognising a Palestinian state this week.

In his opening remarks, Netanyahu displayed a map labelled "The Curse" that he said showed Iranian proxy groups across the Middle East. He then highlighted Israeli military operations across the past year against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, Hamas in Gaza, and Iran.