Israel's Netanyahu to address United Nations General Assembly as pressure mounts over Gaza war

"Facing international isolation, accusations of war crimes and growing pressure to end a conflict he has continued to escalate, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gets his chance to push back Friday on the international community's biggest platform. Netanyahu's annual speech to the U.N. General Assembly is always closely watched, often protested, reliably emphatic and sometimes a venue for dramatic allegations. But this time, the stakes are higher than ever for the Israeli leader."

"In recent days, Australia, Canada, France, the United Kingdom and others announced their recognition of an independent Palestinian state. The European Union is considering tariffs and sanctions on Israel. The assembly this month passed a nonbinding resolution urging Israel to commit to an independent Palestinian nation, which Netanyahu has said is a non-starter. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant accusing Netanyahu of crimes against humanity, which he denies."

Benjamin Netanyahu will address the U.N. General Assembly amid mounting international isolation and accusations of war crimes. Several countries have recognized an independent Palestinian state and the European Union is considering tariffs and sanctions on Israel. The U.N. General Assembly passed a nonbinding resolution urging Israeli commitment to a Palestinian nation, which Netanyahu rejects. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant accusing Netanyahu of crimes against humanity, a charge he denies. The International Court of Justice is weighing South Africa's allegation of genocide in Gaza, which Israel vehemently refutes. A special U.N. session expressed horror at the 2023 Hamas attack and many delegates called for a ceasefire and aid. Israel's offensive has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians in Gaza and displaced 90 percent of the population.

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