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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly, insisting that Israel must “finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza despite growing international pressure to end the devastating conflict. His address came as dozens of delegates from multiple countries staged a mass walkout from the assembly hall on Friday, signaling their disapproval of Israel’s ongoing military actions.

Netanyahu criticized Western leaders, saying they may have “buckled under the pressure,” but he guaranteed that Israel would not. He also condemned recent decisions by several countries to recognize Palestinian statehood, warning that such moves would encourage terrorism against Jews and innocent people worldwide.

As Netanyahu spoke, shouts echoed throughout the hall, though the US delegation—an ardent supporter of Israel’s campaign against Hamas—remained seated. Notably, some major world powers, including the US and the UK, were represented by lower-level diplomats rather than their senior officials or UN ambassadors.

“Antisemitism dies hard. In fact, it doesn’t die at all,” Netanyahu declared, a frequent refrain he uses to accuse his critics of antisemitism while underlining Israel’s position.

Facing increasing international isolation, accusations of war crimes, and mounting pressure to halt the conflict, Netanyahu used the UN platform to push back firmly. He presented a visual aid—a map of the region titled *The Curse*—and wore a special hostage pin featuring a QR code linking to a site about the October 7 attack aimed at international public diplomacy. Members of his delegation wore identical pins.

Throughout his speech, Netanyahu praised US President Donald Trump as his chief ally in the region’s political and military landscape. He highlighted new opportunities arising from shifting dynamics in the Middle East, stating that Israel had begun security negotiations with Syria’s new government.

Back home, Israel took extraordinary measures to broadcast Netanyahu’s speech to Gaza. The Israeli military installed loudspeakers along the Israel-Gaza border to project his words into the territory. In an unprecedented move, the Prime Minister’s office announced that the Israeli army would take over mobile phones of Gaza residents and Hamas operatives to broadcast the speech live. It remains unclear to what extent this operation was successfully carried out.

Netanyahu said these efforts aimed to reach Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. At one point, he read aloud in Hebrew the names of the 20 hostages believed to be alive.

However, much of his address also targeted an international audience increasingly critical of Israel’s actions. The UN General Assembly speech is traditionally a focal point for high-profile statements, protests, and bold claims. This year, the stakes were especially high.

In recent days, several countries—including Australia, Canada, France, and the UK—have recognized Palestine as an independent state. The European Union is considering tariffs and sanctions against Israel. The General Assembly passed a nonbinding resolution calling on Israel to commit to an independent Palestinian nation, a proposal Netanyahu has categorically rejected.

The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant accusing Netanyahu of crimes against humanity, charges he denies. Meanwhile, the UN’s highest court is reviewing South Africa’s allegation that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, which Israel vehemently disputes.

Outside the UN, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the heavily secured building. Nidaa Lafi, an organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement, stated, “Israel has chosen war against every conscientious human being in this world. The masses have come to the irreversible realization that this war was always about the complete ethnic cleansing of Palestine, about the exploitation and the stealing of Palestinian land.”

Earlier this week, at a special UN Security Council session, many nations expressed horror over the October 2023 Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel, took 251 hostages, and sparked the current war. However, most also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a flow of humanitarian aid.

Israel’s sweeping offensive has so far killed more than 65,000 Palestinians in Gaza and displaced 90% of the population, with many facing starvation. While over 150 countries recognize a Palestinian state, the US remains a staunch supporter of Israel and has not extended official recognition.

Despite US backing, former President Trump indicated limits to support, telling reporters he would not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank—a move some of Netanyahu’s government members have advocated. Israeli officials recently approved a controversial settlement project that critics warn could divide the West Bank and undermine prospects for a Palestinian state.

Trump and Netanyahu are scheduled to meet during Trump’s visit to the region. Speaking from the White House lawn before attending the Ryder Cup, Trump expressed optimism about achieving a deal to ease the fighting in Gaza, secure the hostages’ release, and end the war. “I think we have a deal,” he told reporters, though previous suggestions of imminent agreements have failed to materialize.

The ongoing conflict remains deeply complex, with tensions high on all sides as the international community watches closely for developments.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/defiant-netanyahu-says-israel-must-finish-the-job-against-hamas-in-gaza-1811414.html