Police arrested at least 30 protesters, including actors and politicians, as they opposed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside the UN headquarters ahead of his speech. The demonstrations, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, involved around 200 people and focused on condemning Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
The protests came as Netanyahu faces growing international condemnation and political isolation. Israeli leaders are dealing with sanctions against settlements in the West Bank and a shift in US public opinion against Netanyahu's government. Netanyahu is expected to deliver a defiant speech at the UN, defending Israel's actions amid widespread criticism.
Palestinian representatives and activists are calling for a walkout of Netanyahu's speech to send a message against his government's policies. Meanwhile, Israel's ambassador to the UN defended Netanyahu's government, attributing the criticism to misinformation and bias rather than policy failures.
Netanyahu's speech is expected to aim at both international leaders and his own electorate, as he seeks to maintain control and counter growing public dissent ahead of his re-election.