Netanyahu’s Speech at the UN Aimed at Gaza

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nearly empty auditorium of the UN General Assembly, indicating that his remarks were targeted toward listeners in the Gaza Strip. He planned to use Palestinian phones and speakers to broadcast his message throughout the territory.

Netanyahu shared a photo on social media, showing one of the speakers set up near the Israeli-Gaza border. He mentioned he wanted to reach the 20 hostages currently held by Hamas.

“Our brave hero. This is Prime Minister Netanyahu, and I’m live from the United Nations,” he stated during his speech.

He emphasized, “We have not forgotten you. Not for a moment. The people of Israel are with you. We will not waver, and we will not rest until we bring you home.”

He noted that a special Israeli intelligence agency was also working to deliver his words to Gaza via Palestinian mobile phones. It’s unclear how effective this operation was, but Israeli forces have previously sent a variety of messages to Gazans, often advising civilians to evacuate areas targeted for bombing.

“My words are being transmitted through the special efforts of Israeli intelligence. They’re playing live on Gazan cell phones,” Netanyahu mentioned.

He then implored Hamas leaders and those guarding the hostages, “Please lay down your arms! Let my people go! All 48 hostages will be released immediately!”

He warned, “If you choose otherwise, you will face severe consequences.”

Netanyahu argued that the conflict could conclude quickly if Hamas chose to surrender. He outlined a plan for post-Hamas Gaza, which would involve stringent security measures for Israel and the establishment of peaceful civilian authorities by those dedicated to peace with Israel.

In his address, Netanyahu made it clear that he does not see Gaza as part of an independent Palestinian state and rejected the notion of establishing such a state.