Netanyahu to address UN General Assembly as Gaza war dominates debate

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, as the war in Gaza and Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory remain the dominant themes of the annual high-level debate's third day. His address comes amid sustained international scrutiny of the conduct of the war and its humanitarian toll.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is also due to address the assembly, but by video link rather than in person, after the United States denied him a visa to travel to New York. His remote appearance underscores the diplomatic friction surrounding Palestinian representation at the world body during this year's session.

The General Assembly's annual debate regularly draws attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but this year's session carries particular weight given the scale and duration of the war in Gaza and the intensity of international criticism directed at Israel's campaign. Netanyahu has previously used his UN platform to defend Israel's military actions and to criticise what he has described as biased treatment of Israel by the institution and by other member states.

Abbas's video address is expected to renew calls for an end to the war, for humanitarian access to Gaza, and for progress toward Palestinian statehood, themes he has consistently raised at previous sessions. The fact that he could not attend in person adds a further layer to the debate over how the world body handles Palestinian participation in its proceedings.

Netanyahu's appearance is being closely watched by delegations and observers for signals on Israel's negotiating posture regarding Gaza, as ceasefire and hostage-related discussions have featured prominently in diplomatic channels throughout the year. His speech is expected to draw both support and strong criticism from different blocs within the assembly, reflecting the deep divisions the conflict continues to generate on the international stage.

The session continues through the week, with other heads of state and government expected to address the war and its regional implications in their own remarks.