Netanyahu Meets World Leaders Amid UN Address and International Criticism

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced Thursday that he would address the UN General Assembly in New York that evening at 9 p.m. The office also stated that Netanyahu would hold meetings with the leaders of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama, and Ethiopia, along with the vice president of Colombia and the prime ministers of Greece, Slovenia, and Papua New Guinea. Netanyahu's office explained that while many world leaders requested meetings, time constraints and the need to return to Israel before the Sukkot holiday meant he could only accommodate a portion of them.

However, analysts suggest Netanyahu's stay in New York is brief due to security concerns and a dispute with the city's mayor, with protests against him and Israel anticipated near the UN headquarters. It is also expected that representatives from several countries will walk out during his speech.

Contrary to Israeli hopes that the situation in Gaza and the West Bank would not be a central focus at the UN General Assembly, the first day of speeches saw significant international condemnation of Israel. UN Secretary-General António Guterres decried the "killing of Palestinians in Gaza," stating the post-October 7th violence resulted in unprecedented death and destruction during his tenure.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged increased pressure on Israel, warning of the grave situation in the Palestinian territories. The Israeli delegation walked out during his address. Erdoğan characterized the situation as extremely dangerous and called for international attention to Gaza. Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, described Israeli leaders' talk of displacing Palestinians as "genocide" and a "stain on humanity's conscience."

Jordan's King Abdullah II warned of the Israeli government's "expansionist ambitions" threatening the region and called Israeli actions in the West Bank a "war crime." He accused Israel of ignoring the Gaza agreement, destroying civilian infrastructure, refusing to withdraw, and confining Palestinians to a small portion of Gaza.

French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the lack of progress on humanitarian corridors in Gaza, calling the situation shameful. He also condemned rising settler violence in the West Bank, stating it denies Palestinians their right to exist. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Note: The article incorrectly states Andy Burnham, who is the Mayor of Greater Manchester, not the UK Prime Minister. Rishi Sunak is the correct PM) highlighted that the E1 settlement plan threatens to bisect the West Bank, undermining the possibility of a Palestinian state, and urged the international community not to allow it. He also noted the high civilian death toll in Gaza and insufficient humanitarian aid.

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shar'a stated that Israel continues its attacks on Syria, occupying new territories and conducting raids. Meanwhile, the Israeli delegation, led by envoy Danny Danon, walked out during Erdoğan's speech, which also criticized settler violence and the obstruction of access to holy sites in Jerusalem. The Palestinian delegation applauded Erdoğan's remarks.