Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver an address at the UN General Assembly on Friday, coming just days after a number of Western nations formally recognised Palestine as a state.
Netanyahu strongly criticised the move by France, the United Kingdom, and others, describing their recognition as an undeserved concession to Hamas in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks.
The Israeli premier is listed to speak on the fourth day of the General Debate alongside leaders and envoys from countries including China and the United Kingdom.
The debate will run until Monday, with a recess on Sunday.
Roughly 150 heads of state, government officials and national delegates are expected to make presentations during the sessions.
While issues such as the war in Ukraine, UN funding challenges and America’s global role have featured prominently, this year’s gathering has been overshadowed by Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, addressing the Assembly via video message after being denied a U.S. visa, accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza during his remarks on Thursday.
He nevertheless reaffirmed that a Palestinian state could exist peacefully alongside Israel without Hamas participation, underlining his continued support for a two-state solution despite Netanyahu’s opposition.