Israel-Gaza live updates: Netanyahu heads to UN, says Palestinian state won’t happen

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu embarked on a journey from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He expressed his intention to “condemn” leaders of nations who have recently recognized Palestinian statehood during his speech at the UNGA.

Netanyahu’s scheduled address at the UNGA is set for Friday, where he will present his strong stance against the recognition of Palestinian statehood. On the other hand, Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, is scheduled to speak on Thursday, representing the Palestinian perspective on the matter.

As Netanyahu departed from Israel, hundreds of protesters gathered at the airport, waving Israeli flags and yellow banners. The yellow banners symbolize the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, advocating for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023.

In his statement, Netanyahu emphasized his opposition to granting statehood to Palestinians, stating, “I will condemn those leaders who, instead of condemning the murderers, the rapists, the child burners, want to give them a state in the heart of the land of Israel. This will not happen.”

Several countries, including Canada, France, and the U.K., have recently officially recognized Palestinian statehood. This move is seen as a response to Israel’s actions in Gaza and Netanyahu’s resistance to a two-state solution to the conflict.

The Palestinian Authority envisions a future state encompassing the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem, with borders aligned with the pre-1967 “Green Line” recognized by the UN. Currently, 157 out of 193 UN member states, including 18 NATO allies, recognize a Palestinian state.

Netanyahu’s strong stance against Palestinian statehood reflects the ongoing complexities and tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As he prepares to address the UNGA, his words are anticipated to spark further debate and discussion on the international stage.