NEW YORK, Sept 26 (The African Portal) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday that recognising a Palestinian state would be “sheer madness,” dismissing recent recognition by several countries as “disgraceful.”
As he began his address in New York, dozens of delegates walked out in protest while others applauded. Netanyahu said Israel was broadcasting his speech into Gaza and directly addressed hostages held by Hamas: “We have not forgotten you – not even for a second. The people of Israel are with you.”
His remarks came as former U.S. President Donald Trump said he would not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank if re-elected. Trump is scheduled to meet Netanyahu on Monday.
Israel faces growing international pressure to end the conflict and its occupation of the West Bank. On Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated at the UN that Hamas should not play any role in governing Gaza and demanded the group disarm.
