Israeli Military Broadcasts Netanyahu’s UN Speech Into Gaza, Prompting Outcry
Israeli military loudspeakers aired Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the UN into Gaza in an unusual move that quickly sparked controversy.
A government representative stated on Friday: "Under directives from the prime minister’s office, civilian teams worked with the military to position loudspeakers along the Gaza border so residents could hear Netanyahu's UN General Assembly speech."
Netanyahu’s office also asserted that the military had gained access to the phones of Gazans, including Hamas members, to transmit the speech, though no evidence from within Gaza confirmed this occurred.
The government’s announcement said Netanyahu addressed Gazans directly, stating the war could end if hostages were released, Hamas disarmed, and the Strip was demilitarized. He warned that those resisting would "be hunted," while compliant individuals would survive.
Earlier reports suggesting troops had entered Gaza to install or guard the loudspeakers caused an uproar in Israel. Local media cited military sources saying soldiers were instructed overnight to place speakers inside and along the border.
According to a military spokesperson, the broadcast sought to aid in the return of the remaining 50 hostages taken by Hamas during its October 2023 attack, which killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and led to 250 abductions. Over half of the remaining hostages are believed dead.
During his UN speech, Netanyahu condemned Western nations for recognizing Palestinian statehood and vowed to continue Israel’s military campaign, which has left over 65,000 Palestinians dead, 160,000 wounded, and reduced much of Gaza to rubble.
“We’re not done yet. What’s left of Hamas is hiding in Gaza City, planning more attacks like October 7,” he said.
Gaza’s civil defense, operating under Hamas, reported at least 22 fatalities since dawn, including 11 in Gaza City. Airstrikes in the al-Shati refugee camp heavily damaged buildings, with images showing collapsed structures and exposed wiring. A young girl, barefoot, was seen sifting through debris.
Most of Gaza lies in ruins, with famine declared in some areas by experts. Hundreds of thousands of civilians remain in Gaza City, once home to around a million people before the latest offensive.
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