Delegations Stage Mass Walkout as Netanyahu Addresses UN

Dozens of delegations walked out of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium, staging a highly visible protest during his address.

The walkout unfolded live during the 81st session of the General Assembly, with diplomats filing out of the chamber and leaving large sections of seats empty as Netanyahu prepared to speak.

The Palestinian delegation had encouraged diplomatic missions to participate in a coordinated protest during the Israeli leader’s appearance. Other representatives remained in the chamber, where Netanyahu also received applause and expressions of support.

The protest came amid continuing international divisions over Israel’s military actions and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has featured prominently in discussions surrounding this year’s General Assembly.

Netanyahu proceeded with his address despite the departures, defending Israel’s actions and addressing criticism of his government and its military campaign.

Belize was initially identified in some international reporting as one of the countries participating in the walkout. Türkiye-based Anadolu Agency included Belize among the delegations it reported had left the chamber.

Oscar Arnold, CEO in Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) subsequently confirmed to The Reporter that Belize did not participate in the walkout because none of its representatives was in the chamber at the time.

Arnold explained that the Belize delegation had three bilateral meetings around the same period and had divided its members among those engagements.

Belize has maintained support for Palestinian statehood and has taken diplomatic positions critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.