Netanyahu labelled the recognition moves a “mark of shame” that sent the message that “murdering Jews pays off”. Dozens of officials and diplomats staged a walk-out as he took to the podium, leaving large parts of the conference hall empty. Outside, protesters against Israel’s war in Gaza gathered in Times Square. Israel has come under huge international pressure over its military action in Gaza, culminating in the UK, France, Canada, Australia and other countries recognising a Palestinian state this week.