As per reports, Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday (26 September), highlighting what he described as Israeli “victories” over Hamas and Iran, and condemning recognition of Palestinian statehood by Western countries.

Reports indicate that scores of delegates exited the hall in protest as PM Netanyahu took the stage; simultaneously, some attendees in the balcony stood and gave him a standing ovation.

• PM Netanyahu’s remarks come amid ongoing international debate over Palestinian statehood and recent diplomatic momentum in parts of Europe, Latin America, and Africa. He reportedly warned that legitimizing Palestinian statehood in multilateral forums could embolden militant groups and weaken Israel’s security.
• Additionally, a large-scale demonstration has been organized on Friday (26 September), which began at 0900 hours local time (1300 hours UTC) in Times Square, New York City, coinciding with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly. The protest, named as a ‘Mass March to the UN’, is expected to attract thousands of participants demanding sanctions on Israel and protesting US military aid.
• Reports indicate, security measures, including roadblocks, checkpoints, and motorcades for dignitaries, have already pushed Manhattan traffic to critical levels. Authorities have declared a Gridlock Alert, warning that average vehicle speeds in Midtown may drop below four miles per hour.