Netanyahu’s UN Address Sparks Outrage from Palestinian Officials

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced sharp criticism following his speech at the United Nations on September 22, 2023, where he described the situation in Israel and Gaza. A Palestinian foreign ministry official labeled the address as “saturated with lies and falsifications,” portraying it as the desperate attempt of a leader losing ground both politically and morally.

Adel Atieh, who directs the ministry’s European affairs department, condemned Netanyahu’s remarks, stating, “This speech showed neither vision nor perspective.” He characterized the address as reflective of a leader’s growing isolation and anxiety, attempting to rally support from a West that has distanced itself from what he termed a “genocidal state.”

In his address, Netanyahu vowed to block the establishment of a Palestinian state, accusing European leaders of pushing Israel into “national suicide” and rewarding Hamas for violence. He claimed his speech was broadcast on Israeli military loudspeakers in Gaza, asserting his determination to “finish the job” against Hamas, even as discussions of a ceasefire emerged from other political leaders, including former President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu’s speech followed the recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western powers, including Britain and France, which he criticized for sending a message that “murdering Jews pays off.” He declared, “Israel will not allow you to shove a terrorist state down our throats,” emphasizing his longstanding opposition to Palestinian statehood.

The backdrop of Netanyahu’s remarks was the ongoing conflict that escalated dramatically after Hamas carried out its deadliest attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the loss of 1,219 lives, predominantly civilians. In retaliation, Israeli military operations in Gaza have led to more than 65,549 Palestinian deaths, according to health ministry figures from the Hamas-run territory.

As protests erupted in New York, with demonstrators calling for Netanyahu’s arrest for alleged war crimes, the Israeli Prime Minister took an unusual route to the UN, evading areas where he might have faced public backlash. During his address, he adamantly refuted claims of genocide in Gaza, asserting that Gazans had been urged to evacuate amid the conflict. Nonetheless, experts note that forced displacement may also constitute a war crime under international law.

In a separate address, Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas, an opponent of Hamas, condemned the October 7 attack and denounced antisemitism, although he delivered his remarks virtually after being denied a visa to enter the United States.

Netanyahu did not address the contentious issue of annexing the West Bank, a proposal supported by some members of his Cabinet that could effectively nullify any future Palestinian state. In contrast, Trump has warned against such a move while advocating for a peace plan that includes disarming Hamas. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump on September 25, 2023, in Washington.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s speech also included a pointed critique of nations recognizing Palestine, specifically mentioning countries like Australia. Meanwhile, New Zealand‘s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters is expected to announce the country’s position on Palestinian recognition following extensive Cabinet discussions.

As the conflict continues, humanitarian organizations like Doctors Without Borders have been forced to suspend operations in Gaza due to the ongoing offensive, further complicating the already dire humanitarian situation for civilians trapped in the conflict. The Israeli government’s response to the crisis raises pressing questions about accountability and the future of peace in the region.