At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a resolute address, defending Israel’s actions in Gaza and criticizing Western nations for their perceived lack of support following the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023.
Speaking from New York on Friday, Netanyahu condemned recent decisions by some Western countries to recognize a Palestinian state, labeling these moves as a “disgraceful choice” that would only fuel terrorism against Jewish communities and israel-gaza-war-netanyahu-finish-hamas/” title=”Netanyahu Declares at U.N.: …'s … War Aims to Defeat … Once and For All”>innocent civilians worldwide.
His remarks were met with visible dissent, as numerous delegates exited the assembly hall in protest before he took the podium, leaving a noticeably reduced audience.
Despite mounting international calls to halt what many describe as genocidal actions, Netanyahu asserted Israel’s determination to “complete the mission” against Hamas in Gaza.
“While some Western leaders may have succumbed to pressure,” he declared, “Israel remains steadfast and will not waver.”
Direct Message to Hamas: Surrender or Face Consequences
Netanyahu’s address was simultaneously broadcast into Gaza through loudspeakers positioned along the Israeli border, a tactic he openly acknowledged. He spoke directly to the Israeli hostages held by Hamas, assuring them they have not been forgotten.
“The people of Israel stand with you unwaveringly,” he affirmed. “We will persist until every one of you is safely returned.”
He also revealed that, through an unprecedented military operation, his message was being sent to the cellphones of Gaza’s residents, including Hamas leaders, urging them to disarm and release captives or face fatal consequences.
Netanyahu’s Position Amid International Scrutiny
Facing an International Criminal Court warrant over alleged war crimes and increasing global pressure to end his nearly two-year campaign in Gaza, Netanyahu reiterated a familiar narrative during his speech.
He recounted the brutal Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, described the multifront conflict Israel has since engaged in largely without allies, and criticized Western nations for their reluctance to fully support Israel in what he framed as a collective fight against Islamist extremists, whom he referred to as “barbarians at the gates.”
“There is no appeasing jihad,” he warned. “Support for Israel is imperative.”
To reinforce his message, Netanyahu wore a lapel badge featuring a QR code, inviting attendees to scan it for Israel’s detailed account of the October 7 attack, which resulted in at least 1,139 deaths.
“This will help you understand why we fight and why victory is essential,” he said.
He further argued that if the United States had suffered casualties proportional to Israel’s losses, it would not tolerate ongoing threats from the aggressor.
Throughout the address, members of the U.S. delegation, Israel’s most steadfast ally and primary military supporter, were seen applauding.
Netanyahu has consistently cited the October 7 assault to justify the continuation of military operations in Gaza, which local health officials report have claimed over 65,000 lives to date.
Refuting Genocide Allegations
Using a map titled “The Curse” as a visual reference, Netanyahu enumerated Israel’s adversaries across the region, including Gaza, Yemen, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraqi militias.
He firmly rejected accusations of genocide in Gaza, a conclusion reached by a UN inquiry and numerous experts, arguing that Israel’s military would not instruct civilians to evacuate if it intended to commit such acts.
“Would a nation perpetrating genocide urge the targeted population to flee danger?” he questioned.
He also denied allegations that Israel is deliberately causing famine in Gaza, attributing food shortages to Hamas’s diversion of aid to fund its military activities.
Critique of Western Allies’ Response
Netanyahu expressed sharp disappointment with Western allies who have increasingly condemned Israel’s actions and recognized a Palestinian state in efforts to pressure an end to the conflict.
“Granting Palestinians a state adjacent to Jerusalem after October 7 is akin to giving al-Qaeda a state near New York City following September 11,” he asserted.
He accused many Western governments of “folding under pressure” from hostile media, anti-Semitic groups, and radical Islamist factions, choosing condemnation over support during critical times.
Addressing these leaders directly, Netanyahu claimed that, despite public criticism, they privately acknowledged Israel’s role in combating global terrorism.
