Defiant Netanyahu says Israel ‘must finish the job’ against Hamas in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations, emphasizing that Israel must “finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza. Despite growing international isolation over his refusal to end the devastating conflict, Netanyahu remained resolute in his address to fellow world leaders.
His speech came shortly after dozens of delegates from multiple nations walked out of the UN General Assembly hall en masse on Friday — a stark demonstration of the international community’s frustration. Netanyahu acknowledged the pressure on Western leaders but declared firmly, “And I guarantee you one thing: Israel won’t.”
Responding to recent decisions by several countries to recognize Palestinian statehood, Netanyahu condemned these moves as “disgraceful,” warning they would fuel terrorism against Jews and innocent people worldwide. As he spoke, unintelligible shouts echoed through the hall, but the U.S. delegation — a steadfast supporter of Netanyahu’s campaign against Hamas — remained seated.
Notably, key world powers like the U.S. and the U.K. sent only junior diplomats rather than their most senior officials or UN ambassadors to attend the session, underscoring the tension surrounding Israel’s stance.
### Netanyahu’s Message and Visual Aids
Throughout his address, Netanyahu highlighted what he described as the persistence of antisemitism worldwide. “Antisemitism dies hard. In fact, it doesn’t die at all,” he said, a refrain he often uses against his critics.
Facing increasing accusations of war crimes and mounting calls to halt the conflict he has escalated, Netanyahu used the platform to push back. He presented a visual aid — a map of the region titled *The Curse* — and wore a special hostages pin featuring a QR code linking to a website about the October 7 attacks designed for international public diplomacy.
Members of the prime minister’s delegation, including ministers, also wore identical pins, reinforcing their unified message. Netanyahu took the opportunity to praise former U.S. President Donald Trump, calling him a chief ally in his political and military strategy in the Middle East.
### New Diplomatic Initiatives
Netanyahu spoke optimistically about regional developments, noting that shifting dynamics in the Middle East had opened new opportunities. He revealed that Israel had initiated negotiations with Syria aimed at establishing security arrangements with its new government.
### Outreach to Gaza and Hostage Efforts
In an unprecedented move, the Israeli military installed loudspeakers along the Israel-Gaza border to broadcast Netanyahu’s speech directly into Gaza. His office also announced an operation to take over the mobile phones of Gaza residents and Hamas operatives to transmit his address live. It remains unclear if this effort was successfully implemented or to what extent the message reached its intended audience.
Netanyahu explained these special measures were part of Israel’s attempt to communicate with the hostages still held in Gaza. At one point, he spoke in Hebrew and read the names of 20 hostages believed to be alive.
### Global Reaction and Growing Isolation
While much of Netanyahu’s speech addressed an international audience increasingly critical of Israel, the broader geopolitical context underscored his isolation.
In recent days, countries including Australia, Canada, France, and the U.K. officially recognized an independent Palestinian state. The European Union is considering imposing tariffs and sanctions on Israel. The UN General Assembly passed a nonbinding resolution urging Israel to commit to Palestinian statehood — a prospect Netanyahu has dismissed as a non-starter.
Moreover, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant accusing Netanyahu of crimes against humanity, allegations he denies. The UN’s highest court is also reviewing South Africa’s genocide claim against Israel concerning Gaza, which Israel strongly refutes.
### Protests and Palestinian Voices
As Netanyahu spoke, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the heavily secured United Nations headquarters.
“Israel has chosen a war against every conscientious human being in this world,” said Nidaa Lafi, an organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement. “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.”
### The Human Toll and International Appeals
The UN Security Council held a special session earlier this week, with nations expressing horror at the October 7 Hamas attack that killed around 1,200 people in Israel, left 251 hostages, and triggered the ongoing war.
Many representatives called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged the delivery of humanitarian aid. The conflict has taken a staggering toll: Israel’s offensive has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians in Gaza, displaced 90% of the population, and left many starving.
While over 150 countries now recognize a Palestinian state, the U.S. remains a staunch supporter of Israel and has not extended such recognition. However, former President Trump recently indicated limits to his support, stating he would not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank.
Although no official annexation has been declared, several senior members of Netanyahu’s government have advocated for it. Israeli officials recently approved a controversial settlement project that could effectively divide the West Bank in two — a move critics warn could permanently undermine prospects for Palestinian statehood.
### Upcoming U.S.-Israel Meeting and Hopes for a Deal
Netanyahu and Trump are scheduled to meet during the latter’s visit to the region. Speaking on the White House lawn as he departed to attend the Ryder Cup, Trump expressed cautious optimism about progress toward ending the conflict.
“I think we have a deal,” Trump told reporters, referring to efforts to ease fighting in Gaza, secure the release of hostages, and bring the war to an end. Yet, despite his optimistic tone, past predictions of imminent agreements have failed to materialize.
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Netanyahu’s speech at the UN General Assembly highlighted the deep divisions and escalating tensions surrounding the conflict in Gaza. As the international community grapples with humanitarian and political crises, the path forward remains uncertain and fraught with challenges.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/defiant-netanyahu-says-israel-must-finish-the-job-against-hamas-in-gaza-1811414.html
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