Day After Netanyahu’s Defiant UN Speech, Israeli Strikes Kill 38 In Gaza

At least 38 people, including nine members of the same family, were killed in fresh Israeli strikes and gunfire in Gaza on Saturday, a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Officials reported that the strikes targeted central and northern Gaza, with fatalities occurring inside homes during the early hours. The Al-Ahly Hospital, where the victims' bodies were brought, confirmed that the strikes hit areas including the Nuseirat refugee camp, Shati refugee camp, and the Tufah neighbourhood.

Netanyahu's Defiant UN Address

On Friday, Netanyahu addressed the UNGA with a bold speech, asserting that Tel Aviv "must finish the job" against Hamas. He also criticized countries such as Australia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom for recognizing Palestine, warning that such moves "encourage terrorism against Jews and innocent people everywhere."

Netanyahu, widely known as 'Bibi', compared recognizing Palestine to giving Al-Qaeda a state a mile from New York. He insisted that while the West may buckle under international pressure, Israel would not. The Israeli PM further remarked, "Antisemitism dies hard. In fact, it doesn't die at all," reflecting his defiance amid mounting global criticism over Israeli actions in Gaza.

EU Sanctions and ICC Arrest Warrant

Following Netanyahu's refusal to halt operations in Gaza, the European Union (EU) is reportedly considering tariffs and sanctions against Israel. Earlier this month, the EU passed a nonbinding resolution urging Israel to recognize an independent Palestinian state, which Netanyahu has dismissed as a nonstarter.

In addition, the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu last year, accusing him of crimes against humanity. Netanyahu has consistently denied the charges.

The ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber I stated that "reasonable grounds exist to believe that Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Gallant bear criminal responsibility as co-perpetrators for committing acts including the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare and crimes against humanity such as murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts."