This morning in New York City, multiple rallies occurred concurrently as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly. Outside the UN building, families of Israeli hostages still being held captive in Gaza organized a protest. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum released a statement on X, stating, “Families of hostages and survivors of captivity gathered outside UN headquarters ahead of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address, demanding an immediate deal to secure the release of all 48 hostages and end the war.”
In another part of the city, a large rally took place in Times Square, organized by the activist group CODESPINK. Protesters marched towards the UN while chanting, “Free, free Palestine,” showcasing the diverse range of opinions surrounding the ongoing conflict.
Earlier in the day, another demonstration unfolded outside the News Corp. Building, organized by UnXeptable, a grassroots movement composed of Israeli-Americans and American Jews. Demonstrators there also called for an end to the war. As tensions rose, Hamas issued a statement claiming that the delegates who walked out of the UN General Assembly prior to Netanyahu’s speech highlighted Israel’s growing “isolation” due to the war in Gaza. Taher Al-Nunu, a media adviser for Hamas, remarked on the incident, stating that it was a manifestation of “Israel’s isolation and the results of the genocide war.”
Al-Nunu criticized the decision to broadcast Netanyahu’s speech across loudspeakers on the border with Gaza, labeling it “sadism” and asserting, “The Palestinian state will be established by Palestinian, Arab, and international will, regardless of Netanyahu’s objections.”
During his speech at the UN, Netanyahu vehemently condemned Iran and Western nations for recognizing a Palestinian state. Speaking to an audience that had thinned out significantly due to the walkouts, he began by presenting a small map illustrating Iran and its associated proxies in the region. Netanyahu outlined Israel’s military operations over the past year, noting the elimination of key figures from both Hezbollah and Hamas.
In a defiant tone, Netanyahu emphasized that many had forgotten the events of October 7, but he vowed that Israel would not. He expressed unwavering commitment to continue military actions in Gaza until Hamas is dismantled, as Israeli forces persist in their assault on Gaza City, which has resulted in numerous casualties daily.
Near the beginning of his speech, Netanyahu highlighted the plight of the remaining 48 hostages in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. He read the names of those hostages, beginning with Matan Angrest. Just hours before, Matan’s mother had shared her distress on social media, urging Netanyahu to focus on negotiating a deal to secure their return, warning that any other message would be “psychological abuse” for the hostages.
Simultaneously, Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin used his platform to urge military suppliers to reconsider their support for Israel in light of the ongoing conflict. He referenced a recent UN commission’s findings that Israeli actions in Gaza could be classified as genocide—a claim that Israel has vehemently denied.
Reports have surfaced detailing severe human rights violations against Palestinian medical professionals. One prominent case involves Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who has faced severe mistreatment while detained in an Israeli prison. An Israeli nonprofit organization, Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI), reported that Dr. Abu Safiya has suffered from significant weight loss and has been denied basic medical care.
Additionally, former President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding a potential deal to end the war in Gaza while speaking to reporters at the White House. He indicated that discussions were underway to facilitate the return of remaining hostages.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Trump and U.S. officials introduced a 21-point peace plan aimed at resolving the conflict in Gaza. This initiative includes provisions for the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire. Arab leaders who met with Trump expressed support for various aspects of his plan while also suggesting additional provisions.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang made remarks regarding the global implications of the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for kindness and peaceful coexistence among nations. He highlighted the significance of the UN headquarters as a symbol of global unity.
In Gaza, residents reported that they did not receive notifications about Netanyahu’s speech, contradicting his claims of live streaming to their mobile devices. Despite the Israeli government’s assertions, six Gazans confirmed they were unaware of the address.
The events surrounding Netanyahu’s UN address and the numerous protests across New York City underscore the complex nature of the ongoing conflict. With families of hostages pleading for action and various international leaders voicing their concerns, the future remains uncertain. As tensions continue to rise, the call for peace and resolution resonates louder than ever.
