By Lekshmy Pavithran

Copyright gulfnews

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a mass walkout during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, leaving rows of empty seats.When he began speaking, the hall was largely vacant, with only a few delegations — including the United States — remaining. The dramatic protest came after days of speeches on Gaza and discussions aimed at ending the nearly two-year war..Here’s a look at why it is so hard to end the war in Gaza. As Netanyahu vowed to continue Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, he was met with a mix of jeers and scattered applause, insisting that Israel “must finish the job” against Hamas..At UN, Iran’s president says US, Israeli attacks inflicted ‘grievous blow’ on international trust. Speech broadcast inside GazaDespite the near-empty hall, Netanyahu said his remarks were being broadcast directly to Palestinians. He claimed Israel had installed loudspeakers around Gaza and hacked mobile phones to livestream his address.Call to hostages and threats to HamasSpeaking directly to the 48 remaining hostages in Gaza, Netanyahu assured them that “Israel has not forgotten you.” He urged Hamas to release captives, surrender, and lay down arms. His warning was blunt: “If you do, you will live. If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.”.Palestinian leader Abbas to UN: Hamas has no role in governance. Rejection of Palestinian statehoodThe Israeli leader dismissed recent recognition of Palestine by the UK, France, and other countries, calling it “national suicide” for Israel and an undeserved reward for Hamas. He vowed to “finish the job” in Gaza and accused the Palestinian Authority of being “corrupt to the core.”. Trump claims ceasefire deal closeShortly after Netanyahu’s remarks, US President Donald Trump said he believed a Gaza deal was imminent and would secure the hostages’ release. “I think we maybe have a deal on Gaza, very close to a deal on Gaza,” Trump said, though previous promises of a breakthrough have not materialised..For the first time in nearly six decades, a Syrian president steps up to speak at the UN. Facing protests and legal pressureNetanyahu faces war crimes charges at the International Criminal Court, alongside former defence minister Yoav Gallant. His UN address offered an opportunity to push back against mounting international criticism.Outside the building, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered a few blocks away.Netanyahu also claimed Israel was battling radical Islam on behalf of the wider world: “You know deep down that Israel is fighting your fight.”Humanitarian toll in GazaThe war, now nearing its second year, has devastated Gaza. Israel’s offensive has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, according to health ministry figures considered reliable by the UN. Nearly the entire population has been displaced, and aid groups warn of a collapsing humanitarian situation.October 7 attack remains centralNetanyahu repeatedly invoked Hamas’s October 7, 2023 assault, which killed 1,219 people in Israel and triggered the war. He cited atrocities committed during the attack, vowing they would never be repeated as long as he remained in power..For the first time in nearly six decades, a Syrian president steps up to speak at the UN.Trump–Melania viral moment: UN escalator glitch sparks conspiracy theories.Trump and Arab leaders meet at UN to address Gaza crisis