New york, 27 September (H.S.): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a dramatic mass walkout during his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, as he defended Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza and criticised nations that recognised Palestinian statehood. His speech drew sharp reactions both inside the UN hall and outside, where thousands of protesters gathered.
Netanyahu vowed that Israel would “finish the job” against Hamas, urging the militant group to surrender. In a dramatic gesture, he said his remarks were being broadcast directly into Gaza through loudspeakers and, according to him, even streamed via hacked cell phones of residents by Israeli intelligence agencies so that hostages could hear his message. To those captives, he reassured: “We have not forgotten you, not even for a second.”
Directly addressing Hamas, Netanyahu warned: “Lay down your arms and release the hostages. If you do, you will live. If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.” He further criticised Western nations for what he called weakness under pressure, contrasting it with Israel’s determination. He lashed out at countries that recently recognised a Palestinian state, branding their decision “disgraceful” and accusing them of fueling global terrorism.
The prime minister, facing war crimes charges at the International Criminal Court alongside former defense minister Yoav Gallant, used the UN stage to push back against international pressure. His insistence on continuing the war came a day after US President Donald Trump stated that he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank, urging an end to violence.
Outside the UN, pro-Palestinian demonstrators accused Israel of committing ethnic cleansing, chanting “shame” and carrying banners condemning the war. Speakers, including activists from the Palestinian Youth Movement, described Israel’s campaign as an attempt to erase Palestine entirely.
Netanyahu closed his address by insisting that Israel’s war was not only about its own survival but a broader struggle against radical Islam, which he characterised as a threat to many nations. “You know deep down,” he declared, “that Israel is fighting your fight.”
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
