AfriPulse
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hamas to release all Israeli hostages or face relentless pursuit.
Delivering his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Friday, Netanyahu vowed that Israel will not rest until all the hostages are returned.
“Lay down your arms, free the hostages, and you will live. If not, Israel will hunt you down,” Netanyahu declared.
His message was also aimed at the hostages themselves, as his speech was broadcast into Gaza via loudspeakers positioned along the border.
“We have not forgotten you, not for a second. Israel will not rest until we bring you home,” he added.
The Israeli leader’s appearance sparked controversy, with dozens of delegates walking out in protest as he mounted the podium.
While some applauded, large sections of the General Assembly hall were left visibly empty. Supporters, however, gave Netanyahu a standing ovation from the gallery above.
Turning to international politics, Netanyahu condemned the recent recognition of a Palestinian state by countries including France and the UK, calling it “sheer madness” and “national suicide.”
He described the move as a “disgraceful reward for terrorism,” vowing that Israel would never accept it.
Netanyahu also dismissed accusations that Israel deliberately targets civilians in Gaza, insisting that Hamas hides behind schools, mosques, and hospitals while Israel warns residents to evacuate.
He rejected charges of genocide, blaming shortages in Gaza on Hamas’s alleged theft of humanitarian aid.
In his remarks, Netanyahu recognised Israel’s alignment with President Donald Trump, who has pledged to block any Israeli annexation of the West Bank but continues to back Israel’s stance against Iran and militant groups.
The Israeli premier described Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis as part of a single “terror axis,” claiming Israel had “crippled” their capabilities over the past year.
The speech came amid mounting global criticism of Israel’s nearly two-year war in Gaza, where over 65,000 people have been killed according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began after the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, where about 1,200 civilians were killed and 251 others taken hostage. Out of this number, 48 are reportedly held in the enclave, including 20 persons who are alive.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire and a two-state solution, Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel will continue its campaign until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are freed.
Source: TheWhistler | Read the Full Story…
