Multiple delegates walk out as Israel Prime Minister begins his speech at the UN General Assembly

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In a dramatic moment at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly in New York, diplomats at the event decided to boycott the Israel Prime Minister.

Dozens of diplomats rose from their seats and walked out as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address.

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Netanyahu delivered his speech to a mostly empty room in the general assembly’s grand hall, which has capacity for 1,800 people.

More than 100 diplomats from more than 50 countries walked out as Netanyahu entered the hall, according the Washington Post.

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The walkout was largely led by delegates from Arab and Muslim nations, joined by representatives from several African and European states.

Reports said that delegations for the United States and United Kingdom, which remained in attendance, were filled out with junior diplomats as opposed to senior officials

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While diplomats protested inside, there was also a protest outside the U.N. hosted by Israelis and Israeli-Americans, including families of hostages and survivors.

Netanyahu’s speech rang out from large speakers on lorries around the Gaza Strip – though some people inside the enclave told Reuters they could not hear it.