SA rejects external interference, defends democratic strength at UNGA

Delegates walked out of the United Nations session as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel's actions in the region on Thursday. The walkout highlighted the challenges Netanyahu faces, as he battles criticism abroad over the Gaza war and prepares for reelection on October 27. The divisions over Israel's conduct were evident as dozens of delegates protested Netanyahu's speech.

He rebuked his critics, calling them "moral cowards" and accusing them of attempting to silence him. Among his targets was New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had vowed to arrest Netanyahu for war crimes if he visited New York. Netanyahu vehemently denied charges of genocide against Palestinians and accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas militants, a claim Mamdani denied.

Mamdani recently labeled Netanyahu as "the architect of a horrific genocide against Palestinians." In response, Netanyahu stated, "Here's a simple truth: Israel didn't commit genocide. Israel prevented genocide." Several protesters, including actress Susan Sarandon, gathered outside the UN, with one of Netanyahu's fiercest critics, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, absent due to a visa issue.

Abbas criticized the UN gathering in a video message, rejecting the "unlawful punitive measures" and accusing Netanyahu of war crimes and crimes against humanity.