When silence speaks: The UN walkout and the global call for justice

Editor's note: Mariam Shah, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an Islamabad-based independent researcher in the field of conflict studies and military psychology. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Several delegates walked out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday. Delivering a speech to a mostly empty hall seemed symbolic of his country's diplomatic isolation on the global stage. The silent but deliberate protest by the diplomatic community meant more than just a procedural act, as it underscored the increasing discomfort in the international community regarding the "genocide" in Gaza, which is approaching its second year.

So, why the walkout?

To understand why so many people left the UN Assembly Hall, we need to examine the broader context. For nearly two years, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has caused widespread destruction, mass displacement and increasing civilian casualties. According to estimates by Gaza-based health authorities, since October 2023, the total death toll has reached over 65,549 people, with 167,518 wounded and many thousands believed to be buried under rubble.

Recently, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory said that "the Commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza." Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission, added, "The responsibility for these atrocity crimes lies with Israeli authorities at the highest echelons who have orchestrated a genocidal campaign for almost two years now…"

With such charges coming from the UN and international legal bodies, states around the world are recalibrating their positions on Gaza. Many countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal, formally recognized the State of Palestine, drawing condemnation from Israel. The UK's decision was especially symbolic, as a colonial power that played a pivotal role in shaping the region's modern geopolitics, its shift carries significant implications. Moreover, the European Commission has proposed to impose the "first political and economic sanctions" against Tel Aviv since the start of the military aggression in Gaza.

Against this entire backdrop, the delegates walked out because a moral crisis had overtaken the traditional diplomatic approach. A situation many believed could no longer be resolved through standard lobbying and rhetoric.

During his UNGA speech, Netanyahu said Israel "must finish the job" in Gaza, signaling his intention to continue military aggression. The hall might have been empty, but his words echoed across worldwide media and the streets of New York, where pro-Palestinian protests amplified the narrative.

Alon Liel, a former director general of Israel's Foreign Ministry, said Netanyahu's speech highlighted Israel's growing international isolation. He added that Netanyahu aimed to send a clear message that Israel is not interested in peace with the Palestinians and "this is the biggest mistake that he makes because the consensus today behind a Palestinian state is growing." Furthermore, global pressure on Netanyahu to end violence in Gaza has increased, while the U.S. grows more isolated on the world stage for its support of Israel.

Does the walkout reveal anything about global justice? It does. The walkout at the UNGA represented a demand for moral consistency. Remaining seated could be seen as complicity in normalizing mass suffering in Gaza. By leaving, the delegates denied Israel the audience's legitimacy, reaffirming that absence, too, can be a form of speech.

History shows that justice brings stability, while might without morality breeds only chaos and suffering. As Chinese Premier Li Qiang shared at the UNGA, "fairness and justice are the most important values pursued by the international community."  Following the large-scale devastation in Gaza, the walkout highlighted how issues of justice and fairness are increasingly influencing global responses to the longstanding Israel-Palestine conflict. The collective action showed that many countries no longer believed Netanyahu's narrative or offered the respect typically given to a head of state.

However, this act does not guarantee immediate justice. Recognition of Palestine or symbolic protest does not halt bombardments, rebuild infrastructure, or resolve political deadlock. Geopolitical barriers remain rooted, particularly in the UN Security Council, where U.S. veto power shields Israel from stringent measures. And if not followed by tangible actions, there is a chance that recognition will just become symbolic.

The delegates who left the UN hall chose silence as a form of protest. They rejected the narrative that ignores Palestinian suffering. Their empty seats remind us that legitimacy must be earned through respect for human dignity. They have also demonstrated a commitment to fairness and accountability by prioritizing solidarity with the vulnerable.

We must wait and see if the moral stance behind this act will lead to political change, and whether recognition will lead to accountability. The future of the international justice system itself may depend on that answer.

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