COP28 Overshadowed: Israel-Gaza Conflict Takes Center Stage

The war between Israel and Gaza overshadowed the United Nations climate summit, as leaders engaged in sideline diplomacy and the Iranian delegation boycotted the event due to the presence of Israel. The conflict disrupted the upbeat mood of the summit, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog skipping his scheduled speech and other leaders, including Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, disappearing from the speakers' list. Despite the war's impact on the summit, leaders emphasized the interconnectedness of climate change and humanitarian crises, urging continued focus on both issues.