During the ongoing United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced severe criticism from various world leaders who labeled him a war criminal. His opportunity to speak came on Friday, but the atmosphere was charged, with many delegates choosing to walk out as he approached the podium. Undeterred, Netanyahu proclaimed, "We're not done yet," asserting that the remnants of Hamas are still present in Gaza City and are determined to repeat their past atrocities.
In his speech, Netanyahu emphasized the urgency of Israel's military operations, stating, "That is why Israel must finish the job, that is why we want to do so as fast as possible." His office had priorly announced that his address would be broadcast live on loudspeakers directed at Gaza, aimed at reaching Israeli hostages held by Hamas. In a heartfelt moment, Netanyahu addressed the hostages directly, saying, "Our brave brothers, this is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking to you live from the United Nations. We have not forgotten you, not even for a second. The people of Israel are with you."
He urged Hamas leaders to "lay down your arms, let my people go, free the hostages, all of them, the whole 48, free the hostages now," warning that failure to comply would lead to Israel hunting them down. This declaration highlights the ongoing tensions and the desperate situation regarding the hostages in Gaza.
Before his departure from Tel Aviv, Netanyahu expressed strong opposition to countries supporting an independent Palestinian state during the summit, stating, "When the most savage terrorists on Earth are effusively praising your decision, you didn’t do something right, you did something wrong, horribly wrong." His remarks reflect the deep divisions within the international community regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As Netanyahu spoke, he faced not only a chilly reception from world leaders but also anticipated protests outside the U.N. headquarters. Families of hostages planned to demonstrate, urging Netanyahu and other global leaders to prioritize the release of those held captive in Gaza.
Even before Netanyahu's arrival, Israel's isolation was palpable at the U.N. Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, condemned Israel as a "rogue government" during his speech, criticizing recent Israeli airstrikes as treacherous acts. He remarked on the difficulties in cooperating with a nation that fails to uphold basic standards of cooperation.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the violence, stating that the scale of death and destruction in Gaza surpasses any conflict he has witnessed during his tenure. Guterres highlighted that while nothing justifies the Hamas terror attacks of October 7, he condemned the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, calling on Israel to comply with measures issued by the International Court of Justice to prevent genocide in Gaza.
The Israeli government has long claimed bias from the United Nations, rejecting allegations of violating international law. However, recent developments from the International Criminal Court (ICC) have complicated matters for Netanyahu. An arrest warrant has been issued against him, prompting speculation about his travel plans. Flight data indicated that Netanyahu's plane took an indirect route to New York, avoiding airspace of countries that could enforce the warrant.
Despite not being a party to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, Israel's government has remained silent on why the longer route was chosen. This adds another layer of complexity to Israel's international standing amidst ongoing conflict.
During his visit to the U.S., Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump in Washington, marking their fourth in-person meeting since Trump's return to the White House. This meeting could have significant implications for Israel and the broader Middle East, particularly in light of discussions surrounding potential retaliatory actions in response to the growing push for Palestinian statehood recognition at the U.N.
Although Netanyahu and Trump share a close alliance, their agendas are currently diverging. Netanyahu is considering the annexation of additional territory in the West Bank, a move Trump has firmly opposed, stating, "I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Nope, I will not allow it." The President expressed renewed hope for an agreement to resolve the conflict and secure the release of hostages from Gaza, suggesting that diplomatic efforts may still be in play as tensions escalate.
