Speaking to empty hall, Netanyahu disavows responsibility for Gaza genocide and starvation
Israeli premier speaks at UN General Assembly amid walkout from large number of delegates over genocide in Gaza
ISTANBUL
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his address to the UN General Assembly on Friday to reject accusations of genocide and starvation in Gaza, denying responsibility in front of an empty hall after many delegations walked out in protest.
Denying reports of starvation in the Palestinian enclave, Netanyahu claimed: “Israel is deliberately feeding the people of Gaza.”
About accusations of genocide, he claimed: “Israel is applying more measures to minimize civilian casualties than any military in history.”
Regarding the Israeli offensive in Gaza, Netanyahu insisted that the enclave would remain "demilitarized" under Israeli "security control" while a civilian authority could be established, threatening Hamas with further attacks if the hostages were not released.
The Israeli army has killed more than 65,500 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023.
Casting the conflict in broader terms, Netanyahu claimed Israel’s fight was inseparable from Western security: “I’m sure there are people in New York or in London or in Melbourne and elsewhere who are probably thinking, what does all of this have to do with me? And the answer is everything. Because our enemies are your enemies.”
He accused Iran and allied groups of trying to assassinate the president of the US twice.
Netanyahu’s speech at the UN came amid a walkout from a large number of delegates in protest over Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Over the recent wave of recognition of the Palestinian state, Netanyahu claimed that countries had done “something horribly wrong.”
He alleged that rejection of Israel came not only from Hamas but also from the “so-called moderate” Palestinian Authority.
Regarding Syria, Netanyahu claimed a breakthrough with Damascus, saying peace was once “unimaginable” but that “serious negotiations” have now begun with the “new Syrian government.”
Concerning the situation in Lebanon and the occupation of some of its southern areas, he claimed that Israel's objectives are not only to "monitor Hezbollah" but also to "prevent attacks."
Despite a truce requiring full withdrawal by January 2025, Israel still maintains forces at five outposts in southern Lebanon.
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