Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday drew sharp criticism after he presented two controversial maps that erased the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
These maps depicted all the territory as part of Israel, a move that sent shockwaves across the international community, particularly among Palestinians and their supporters.
Holding up the maps, Netanyahu framed his message in stark terms, stating that the world must choose between a “blessing” and a “curse.” The first map highlighted potential Arab allies in the region, while the second focused on Iran and its allies. Both, however, conspicuously omitted the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, two areas central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Netanyahu’s omission was seen as an attempt to reshape the geopolitical landscape, signaling Israel’s stance on the future of Palestinian territories. This bold move raised questions about Israel’s long-term intentions and its approach to peace in the region. Many interpreted it as further evidence of Netanyahu’s unwillingness to acknowledge Palestinian claims to these territories.
In addition to the map controversy, Netanyahu issued stern warnings to Iran and reaffirmed Israel’s military operations in Gaza, where over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since last October. However, the focus remained on the maps, which many saw as an erasure of Palestinian identity and aspirations for statehood.
As Netanyahu spoke, many delegates, including representatives from Turkey and Pakistan, walked out in protest.