Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to address the UN General Assembly on Friday, days after several Western countries recognised a Palestinian state.

Mr Netanyahu has slammed the decision by France, the United Kingdom, and several others to announce their recognition of a state for the Palestinians, labelling it a reward for the Islamist Hamas organisation following the October 7 attacks.

The Israeli leader is set to speak on the fourth day of the General Debate alongside representatives from China, the United Kingdom, and other countries.

The debate is scheduled to continue until Monday, with a break on Sunday.

A total of approximately 150 heads of state and government, as well as other national representatives, are expected to deliver speeches at the event.

While Russia’s war on Ukraine, the UN’s strained finances, and the global role of the United States have been key themes, this year’s debate has been dominated by the conflict in Gaza amid Israel’s offensive in Gaza City.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas denounced Israel’s conduct in the coastal territory as genocide in his speech to the General Assembly on Thursday, which took place via video link after he was denied a visa by the United States.

However, Mr Abbas said a Palestinian state can coexist peacefully alongside Israel without Hamas involvement, a sign that a two-state solution remains his aim, in spite of opposition from Netanyahu’s government.

(dpa/NAN)