Netanyahu calls Palestinian recognition 'disgraceful', as dozens walk out of UN speech

BBC update   

ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York, reports the BBC.

    He says recognition of a Palestinian state is "sheer madness, it's insane and we won't do it", adding that recognition by several other countries is "disgraceful".

    As Netanyahu takes to the stage, dozens of people file out of the room in New York in protest, as some applaud.

    Netanyahu says loudspeakers in Israel are broadcasting the speech into Gaza.

    Directly addressing the hostages being held by Hamas, he says: "We have not forgotten you - not even for a second. The people of Israel are with you".

    His speech comes as Donald Trump says he will not allow Israel to annex the Israeli-occupied West Bank - he's due to meet Netanyahu on Monday.

    Israel is facing increasing global pressure to end the conflict and occupation of the West Bank.

    Speaking to the UN on Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated his rejection of a future governing role for Hamas in Gaza and demanded it disarm.