The fourth day of the 81st UN General Assembly was marked by a divisive speech from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which prompted a walkout by several delegates. The session continued with addresses from Lebanon, Pakistan, Iraq, and others.

In his address, Netanyahu denied allegations of genocide in Gaza, claiming that Hamas used Palestinian civilians as human shields and turned hospitals and schools into terrorist command posts. He asserted that a "genocidal regime" would not provide a million polio vaccinations or enable the distribution of two million tons of food into Gaza.

Netanyahu opened his speech by referencing his 2012 appearance when he drew a "red line" regarding Iran's nuclear program. He said the decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities was "one of the easiest" he had to make, because "if we hadn't done it, we'd all be dead."

Ahead of his address, protesters gathered outside the UN Headquarters in New York, with some arrested. Representatives of Iran, Turkey, and Qatar used their right of reply to lambast Netanyahu's speech.

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah, the youngest head of government to speak at this session, warned about the impact of climate change on the Himalayas and proposed a "Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism." He called for grant-based support rather than loans for vulnerable nations.

Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten condemned attacks on the International Criminal Court, saying "hands off the ICC." Washington has imposed financial sanctions and visa bans on ICC staff, with officials reportedly preparing additional measures.

Yemen and Kuwait stressed the importance of freedom and safety of navigation, condemning Iran and its proxies. Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima called for an optimistic approach to AI, while Fiji's President Ratu Naiqama Tawakecolati Lalabalavu highlighted the challenges faced by low-lying island nations and called for a fairer financial system.

Source: www.dw.com