Following his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led a walkout in protest when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was invited to speak. The Pakistani delegation accompanied him in leaving the session, marking a strong statement of dissent.

After finishing his address, Sharif had returned to his seat just as Netanyahu was called to the podium. Other country delegations also protested and exited during the Israeli prime minister’s speech.

Read more: PM Shehbaz Sharif Addresses UNGA, Highlights Palestine and Kashmir Concerns

In his address, Sharif condemned Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza, describing it as a “genocidal war” and a humanitarian crisis. He highlighted the suffering of Palestinian civilians, particularly women and children, and called for an immediate end to the violence.

“Our hearts bleed as we witness the tragedy unfolding in the Holy Land,” Sharif stated. “This is not merely a conflict; it is the systematic slaughter of innocent people and an assault on human life and dignity.”

He urged the international community to halt the bloodshed and strive for lasting peace, advocating for a two-state solution with a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem (Al-Quds Al-Sharif) as its capital.

“Can we remain silent while children lie buried under the rubble of their homes? The blood of Gaza’s children stains not only the oppressors’ hands but also those complicit in prolonging this cruel conflict,” Sharif emphasized.

Sharif also called for Palestine’s admission as a full member of the United Nations, underscoring the urgent need for action to protect Palestinian lives.

For three days, global leaders at the General Assembly have condemned the atrocities in Palestine and urged an end to Israeli aggression. Pakistan’s walkout was the most significant protest during Netanyahu’s address, further amplifying calls for justice in Gaza.