Photo credit: CNN
Predictably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told world leaders on Friday that his nation “must finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza.
Asharq Al-Awsat reports that he agave a defiant speech despite growing international isolation over his refusal to end the devastating civil war.
According to him, “Western leaders may have buckled under the pressure. And I guarantee you one thing: Israel won’t.
“Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere.”
As he spoke, unintelligible shouts echoed around the hall, while applause came from supporters in the gallery. Seats allotted to the US and the UK were filled by low-level diplomats instead of senior ambassadors. Many delegates exited the hall when he took the stage.
He used the opportunity to cast Gaza as the lone remaining front in a wider war. He listed recent military missions by his country to target its enemies and contain security threats to its security in Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.
Those effects have “opened up possibilities of peace,” he said. He noted that Israel has begun negotiations with Syria to reach security arrangements with the new government in Damascus.
While he was addressing the UN General Assembly, thousands of protesters against the war in Gaza were marching in New York city on Friday. They waved Palestinian flags, wore keffiyeh scarves and carried banners reading “Free Palestine, stop starving Gaza” and “Arms embargo now.”
