Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew global attention at the United Nations General Assembly in New York when he appeared wearing a large button featuring a QR code on his jacket.
Addressing world leaders, Netanyahu urged them and the audience to scan the code to “better understand Israel’s actions since the Gaza war began.” The QR code directs users to a website containing graphic images and videos from the Hamas attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Visitors to the site are also presented with a warning about the disturbing nature of the content. Through the website, Israel levels accusations of crimes against humanity against Hamas.
During his speech, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel will never accept the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. His remarks prompted a significant number of world leaders and delegates to walk out of the assembly hall in protest of Israel’s military operations and pressure on Gaza.
Drawing a comparison, Netanyahu said:
“Granting Palestinians a state just miles from Jerusalem after the October 7 attacks would be like giving al-Qaeda a state just miles from New York City after the September 11 attacks. We will not allow a terror state at our throat.”
