NEW YORK — At the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on 23 September 2026, a record number of member states issued statements condemning Israel’s military operations in Gaza and its continued settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. The speeches, delivered by heads of state, foreign ministers and senior diplomats, called for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access and a halt to annexation plans.
UN General Assembly session
The General Assembly convened in the UN General Assembly Hall at 10:00 a.m. local time. The opening address, delivered by the UN Secretary‑General, highlighted the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a diplomatic solution. Following the address, 142 member states presented written statements. The session was recorded by Aljazeera’s Accredited Wire, which streamed the speeches live on its platform.
Global condemnation
In the speeches, leaders from the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and several Latin American and African nations cited the UN Security Council’s earlier resolution on 12 September that called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. The statements also referenced the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on the legality of Israel’s settlement activities.
Israel’s response
Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the same day, noting that the country would not accept the General Assembly’s resolution as it was “unilateral and contrary to the principles of the UN Charter.” The ministry said it would continue to defend its security measures and the legality of its settlements under international law. No official Israeli representative spoke at the Assembly.
Regional dynamics
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers were reportedly given tours of new settlement sites by a ministerial delegation, as reported by TRT World. The tours were part of a broader campaign to promote settlement expansion, which the United Nations and several countries have labeled as illegal under international law. The Israeli government maintained that the settlements were part of its sovereign territory.
International reactions
While most Western and Arab states condemned Israel, a handful of countries, including Russia and China, urged restraint and called for a negotiated settlement. The United Nations Human Rights Council had previously issued a report on 5 September detailing alleged violations by Israeli forces in Gaza.
Future implications
The General Assembly’s resolution, adopted by a vote of 138 in favor, 12 against, and 10 abstentions, is non‑binding but signals a shift in international sentiment. Analysts say the resolution may influence future UN Security Council deliberations and could affect Israel’s diplomatic relations with key allies. The resolution also calls for a UN‑backed ceasefire brokered by the Quartet on the Middle East.
Primary Sources & Official Records
- Jerusalem Daily: World leaders condemn Israel at UN
- World leaders put Israel at center of UN General Assembly as criticism mounts – The Jerusa
- Israeli minister promotes settlement tours to West Bank as world leaders warn against anne
- “India, Israel stand as lands of spirituality and brotherhood”: RSS leader Indresh Kumar o
