Egyptian delegation walks out during Israeli address at ILO conference: Source to et

GENEVA – 4 June 2026: Egyptian and several Arab delegations walked out of the plenary hall of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva after the start of a speech by Israel's representative, a member of Egypt's delegation said on Thursday.

Ahmed El-Debeiky, a member of the delegation representing the Egyptian Trade Union Federation, told Egypt Today the walkout took place immediately after the announcement of the Israeli representative's address before the conference's general session.

He emphasized that the move came in protest against Israeli practices against Palestinian workers and the Palestinian people, and as an expression of a unified Arab position in international forums.

El-Debeiky said the walkout followed a series of protests during the conference session.

He noted that delegates from Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt staged a coordinated protest during a plenary session on the previous day by rhythmically banging on tables when the Israeli representative took the podium, in an effort to disrupt the speech and signal their opposition to its content.

El-Debeiky said the walkout is meant to send a message that Palestinian rights should not be marginalized, and that Arab labor unions will continue coordinating in support of Palestinian workers and the occupied territories.