Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the allegation of Israeli genocide in Gaza “the biggest lie of the century” during his speech to 81st United Nations General Assembly. His speech coincided with mounting international pressure on Israel over its military operations and humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Netanyahu, in his defense of Israel’s military operations, maintained they were self-defensive and he had allowed for humanitarian aid to be brought into Gaza. He pointed to food distribution and vaccines supplies, and denied that Israel “deliberately aimed to destroy the Palestinian people.
Netanyahu Defends Israel’s Gaza Campaign
Netanyahu spoke of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and the loss of some 1,200 Israeli lives during the speech. Israel’s military reaction was “in the light of the attack” and the IDF was defended time and time again.
He further characterised the IDF as “ethically committed” and that Israel’s aim was targeting Hamas, not the populace.
Delegates Walk Out During Speech
A protest against Netanyahu’s appearance was made in a big diplomatic fashion. As he made his way to the podium, dozens of delegates walked out the General Assembly hall leaving large portions of the room empty. Netanyahu responded by accusing those who were leaving “moral cowards”.
The strike was symbolic of the profound divisions in recent days over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Several governments, Palestinian authorities have made accusations of serious violation of international law while Israel has consistently denied accusations of genocide.
UN and Palestinian Positions Differ
UN officials are continuing to hail concerns about the Gaza situation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres pledged that all sides would abide by international law and the resolution of the International Court of Justice and said the level of violence and destruction being inflicted in Gaza was unprecedented in his experience.
Israel has denied that it is guilty of such acts in Gaza in a separate finding issued by a UN Commission of Inquiry. In the legal terms, the question is up for international discussion and can be subject to different interpretations of the evidence.
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Netanyahu Targets Iran and Regional Critics
Netanyahu further supported Israeli military action against Iran and Hezbollah, declaring the strike against Iran to be one of his easiest decisions. He attacked the governments of Turkey, Qatar; also found criticism from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
In his trip to the UN, he not only expressed Israel’s backing for its Gaza operation, but also laid on heavy rhetoric that came under the banner of regional security and Iran, underscoring the fact that there are indeed Israeli-Ukrainian divides around the Middle East conflict.
FAQs
What did Netanyahu say in response to the genocide charges?
Netanyahu denied the charges and branded statements that Israel was responsible for Gaza’s “genocide” “the greatest lie of the century.
What was the reason for the delegates to walk out?
Dozens of delegates left the UN General Assembly hall as Netanyahu started speaking in protest over Israel’s actions and campaign in Gaza.
What does the UN say about Gaza?
The UN officials have urged severe condemnation of the civilian deaths and the destruction and the situations of the humanitarians, and emphasized on the need and importance of International law and ICJ’s orders.
