UNGA: Gaza dominates agenda as Abbas, Netanyahu speak
Israeli and Palestinian leaders address UN General Assembly amid walkouts, genocide allegations, and rising sea level discussions
Quick Look
At the 81st UN General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied genocide allegations in Gaza as 'the greatest lie of the century,' citing Israeli humanitarian efforts and accusing Hamas of using civilians as shields, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged support for the two-state solution and criticized US and Israeli policies; delegates walked out during Netanyahu's speech, and the assembly also addressed rising sea levels threatening low-lying islands and coastal regions.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The 81st UN General Assembly convened amid ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, regional tensions over Iran's nuclear program, and growing climate concerns. Netanyahu and Abbas were scheduled to speak on day 3, with the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Norway hosting meetings on Gaza's future and two-state solution implementation.
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UNGA: Gaza dominates agenda as Abbas, Netanyahu speak
Published 09/22/2026Published September 22, 2026
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza the "greatest lie of the century." Many delegates walked out for his General Assembly speech. Mahmoud Abbas also spoke earlier. DW has more.
https://p.dw.com/p/5N0mB
Skip next section What you need to know
What you need to know
Israel's Prime Minister said attacking Iran was one of his 'easiest' decisions, as he had no real choice
Many representatives walked out of the UN General Assembly ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu's speech
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas earlier urged nations to support the two-state solution, and sharply criticized Israel and the US
The UK will host a meeting on the future of the Gaza Strip, while Saudi Arabia and Norway have called a ministerial meeting to discuss the implementation of the so-called two-state solution
Beyond the Middle East, day 3 of the UNGA will address the problem that rising sea levels pose for low-lying islands and coastal regions
Read below for all the top headlines, videos and analyses on the 81 UN General Assembly from September 22-28, 2026:
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Continued international debate and potential resolutions on Gaza's future and two-state solution implementation
Likely · Within weeks
Ongoing disputes over Iran's nuclear program despite Netanyahu's claims of success
Likely · Within months
Increased focus on sea level rise adaptation in UN climate agendas
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Will the international community accept Netanyahu's denial of genocide allegations in Gaza?
- Can the two-state solution be revived amid ongoing settlement expansion and violence?
- What concrete actions will emerge from the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Norway meetings on Gaza?
- How will rising sea level threats be addressed in upcoming UN climate negotiations?
