Desk Report:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday that Israel must “finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza. His comments came at a time when several Western countries have recognized an independent Palestinian state and Israel is increasingly isolated in the international arena.
Meanwhile, Western media outlets including CNN and BBC reported that when Netanyahu was about to deliver his speech on Friday (September 26), many representatives from different countries left the meeting room. Some even shouted slogans. However, US representatives remained in their seats as usual and applauded parts of Netanyahu’s speech.
Netanyahu used a map, poster and QR code in his speech and repeatedly praised US President Donald Trump.
Recently, several countries including Australia, Canada, France and the UK have recognized an independent Palestinian state. The European Union is considering tariffs and sanctions against Israel. The UN General Assembly has also called on Israel to commit to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on charges of crimes against humanity. The UN’s highest court is also examining the genocide charges raised by South Africa.
Although many countries condemned Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, at the UN special session, they called for an immediate ceasefire and increased aid to Gaza. According to local health authorities in Gaza, more than 65,000 people have been killed in the Israeli operation so far and 90 percent of the total population has been displaced. The risk of death due to starvation is increasing due to the food crisis.
Currently, more than 150 countries in the world have recognized Palestine, but the United States has not yet done so. Although Trump recently said that he would not accept the annexation of the West Bank by Israel. However, in the meantime, some members of Netanyahu’s cabinet have pressed for new settlement projects in the West Bank. Critics say that implementing such a move could end the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state.
The day before Netanyahu’s speech (September 25), Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the General Assembly in a video message that “now is the time for the international community to take responsibility to ensure the rights of the Palestinians.” He called on the world to take more effective steps to end the occupation and establish a Palestinian state.
