Scores of delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address, which criticized world leaders who have recognized Palestine and condemned Israel's actions in Gaza. This incident occurred shortly before U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a deal to "end the war" might soon be revealed.

Netanyahu, who is facing war crimes charges from the International Criminal Court, took a circuitous route to the U.S. to avoid European airspace, where he could be arrested. While some attendees applauded him, many seats remained empty during his speech, which came less than two weeks after a UN commission concluded that Israel was committing genocide.

In his address, Netanyahu condemned the international community, asserting that Israel was fighting a "false charge of genocide" while Hamas, responsible for the deaths of Israelis on October 7, was not held accountable. He dismissed the two-state solution proposed by France and Saudi Arabia, which received support from 142 of the 193 UN member nations, and criticized Australia and other countries that recently recognized Palestinian statehood. "Murdering Jews pays off," he stated, emphasizing that Israel would not accept a "terrorist state."

Netanyahu also expressed concern over rising antisemitic violence against Jews in Australia and elsewhere, which he attributed to criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza, where an estimated 65,500 people, mostly women and children, have died.

Following Netanyahu's speech, Trump told reporters at the White House, "I think we have maybe a deal on Gaza," suggesting it would facilitate the return of hostages and bring peace. He reiterated his stance against Israel annexing the West Bank, a move some Israeli officials have threatened in response to Western recognition of Palestine. "There's been enough. It's time to stop now," Trump said.

The day before Netanyahu's address, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a pre-recorded speech, as the U.S. denied him a visa to attend the UN event. Abbas thanked nations that recognized Palestinian statehood but highlighted the failure of over 1,000 UN resolutions regarding Palestine. "The Palestinian people are living under the yoke of occupation," he stated, emphasizing the need for action to address the ongoing conflict.