Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was met with walkouts and criticism at the UN General Assembly as he vowed to defeat Hamas and free hostages while facing mounting legal and diplomatic pressures.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a frosty reception at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, as many delegates walked out during his address following days of condemnation from world leaders labeling him a war criminal.
“We’re not done yet,” Netanyahu declared, insisting Israel would eliminate Hamas fighters in Gaza City. He said the military campaign was necessary because militants “vow to repeat the atrocities of Oct. 7 again and again.”
In a rare move, his speech was broadcast live on loudspeakers near Gaza and streamed to residents’ cellphones. Addressing Israeli hostages, he said, “We have not forgotten you, not even for a second. The people of Israel are with you. We will not falter and we will not rest until we bring all of you home.”
Netanyahu also warned Hamas leaders to release captives or face being “hunted down.” His arrival came amid growing protests and an International Criminal Court arrest warrant that forced his plane to take an indirect route to New York.
He is expected to meet President Donald Trump in Washington, where the leaders will discuss regional security and renewed calls for Palestinian statehood.