Uzbek delegation boycotts Netanyahu's speech at the UN

It was reported earlier that when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium to address the UN General Assembly, the hall first erupted in applause, but many world leaders soon left en masse. Uzbekistan was among the delegations that did not attend the Prime Minister's speech, according to Ynet.

Citing Israeli officials, the publication reported that representatives from 77 delegations either left the hall before Netanyahu began speaking or did not attend the session at all.

Among the countries boycotting the speech were Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran. However, representatives from the United Arab Emirates, along with several others, remained and listened to Netanyahu's address. Israeli officials explained their presence by noting that both countries maintain official diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv.

Many global leaders welcomed Israel's diplomatic isolation and called for accountability over the killings in Gaza. Among them was Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

"That murderer Netanyahu stood at the UN podium and addressed empty seats. The cries of the oppressed will catch up with you sooner or later," Erdoğan said.

It is worth noting that among the 77 countries that either walked out or did not attend at all when Netanyahu took the podium were Spain, Brazil, Ireland, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, as well as several countries from Latin America, Africa, and the Pacific region.

It should also be recalled that Netanyahu's address to the General Assembly began with an appeal to the families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. On the Prime Minister’s orders, the Israeli army installed loudspeakers throughout the Gaza Strip to broadcast his speech, and messages were sent to thousands of Palestinians on his behalf.