New York – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced strong backlash at the United Nations General Assembly after condemning recent recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western countries. He called the move a “mark of shame,” claiming it sent the message that “killing Jews pays off.”

As Netanyahu began his speech, many officials and diplomats walked out in protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza, leaving him largely isolated on the world stage. At the same time, demonstrations against the war in Gaza were held outside in New York’s Times Square.

In recent days, the UK, France, Canada, Australia, and other countries formally recognized a Palestinian state. However, Netanyahu repeated that Israel would never accept a Palestinian state, insisting that most Israelis supported this stance.

His speech also drew criticism at home. Opposition leader Yair Lapid described Netanyahu’s remarks as those of a “tired and complaining” leader, while Yair Golan of the Israel Democrats party dismissed the address as “childish propaganda.”

Since Israel’s military campaign began on October 7, 2023, at least 65,549 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to health authorities in the territory.