NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 23: Seats for the United States delegation remain empty as President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian addresses the 81st session of the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters on September 23, 2026 in New York City. World leaders have gathered in New York for the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly, with this year’s global issues ranging from the threat of artificial intelligence to the continued wars in Ukraine and Gaza. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images/Getty Images North America
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Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images/Getty Images North America
World leaders have descended upon New York City for this year’s edition of the United Nations General Assembly. And a lot is happening.
So far, we’ve seen some most pointed criticism of Israel’s conduct heard at the U.N. in years. This led to the Israeli delegation walking out during the Turkish president’s address.
It’s been nearly three years since Oct. 7. And the Palestinian Authority’s president isn’t in the room — the United States denied him a visa. Mahmoud Abbas will instead address the assembly on Thursday by video.
What is being said about Gaza at this General Assembly? And what does it tell us about the limits of the U.N.’s power when America isn’t on board?
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