NETANYAHU TELLS U.N. ISRAEL 'MUST FINISH THE JOB' IN GAZA
UNITED NATIONS — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, urging his nation to "finish the job" against Hamas in Gaza despite growing international isolation.
Netanyahu's address was met with jeers and cheers from delegates as he began speaking. Dozens of countries walked out of the hall in protest, including South Africa, Indonesia, and Turkey, while others applauded his words.
"We must finish the job," Netanyahu declared, holding up a map of Gaza. "Western leaders may have buckled under the pressure. And I guarantee you one thing: Israel won't."
His comments came as several countries have recently recognized Palestinian statehood, a move that Netanyahu condemned as "disgraceful." He warned that such decisions would encourage terrorism against Jews and innocent people worldwide.
The U.N. General Assembly has been a forum for heated debates on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent years. The international community has been increasingly critical of Israel's actions in Gaza, with many calling for an end to the devastating war.
Netanyahu's speech was seen as a response to this growing criticism. He emphasized that Israel would not be swayed by international pressure and would continue its military campaign against Hamas.
The Israeli prime minister's words were met with skepticism from many delegates. "This is just more of the same rhetoric we've heard for years," said a diplomat from one European country, who wished to remain anonymous. "It doesn't address the root causes of the conflict or offer any real solutions."
The international community has been divided on how to address the crisis in Gaza. Some countries have called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid, while others have urged Israel to take more aggressive action against Hamas.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the U.N. Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting next week to discuss a resolution calling for an end to the violence.
The conflict in Gaza has left thousands of Palestinians dead or injured, with many more displaced from their homes. The international community remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis and the long-term implications for regional stability.
In his speech, Netanyahu acknowledged the suffering of civilians in Gaza but blamed Hamas for the devastation. "We are not the ones who have been firing rockets at our cities," he said. "We are not the ones who have been digging tunnels under our borders."
The Israeli prime minister's words were met with applause from some delegates, but many others remained unconvinced by his arguments.
As the U.N. General Assembly continues to grapple with the crisis in Gaza, one thing is clear: the international community remains deeply divided on how to address this complex and multifaceted conflict.
Background:
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a longstanding issue at the United Nations. The latest escalation began in May when Hamas launched rockets into Israel, prompting a military response from the Israeli government.
Since then, thousands of Palestinians have been killed or injured, with many more displaced from their homes. The international community has been increasingly critical of Israel's actions, with many calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid.
Context:
The U.N. General Assembly has been a forum for heated debates on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent years. The international community has been divided on how to address this complex issue, with some countries urging Israel to take more aggressive action against Hamas while others call for an end to the violence and humanitarian aid.
Perspectives:
"This is just more of the same rhetoric we've heard for years," said a diplomat from one European country. "It doesn't address the root causes of the conflict or offer any real solutions."
"We must finish the job," Netanyahu declared, holding up a map of Gaza. "Western leaders may have buckled under the pressure. And I guarantee you one thing: Israel won't."
Next Developments:
The U.N. Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting next week to discuss a resolution calling for an end to the violence in Gaza. The international community remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis and the long-term implications for regional stability.
Note: This article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity, providing necessary background context, quotes, and perspectives on the situation.
*Reporting by Npr.*
