“Hamas must finish”: Netanyahu   (“Hamas )   

United Nations: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a major statement regarding Gaza and Hamas at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday. In his address, he said that Israel must “finish this job” against Hamas       (“Hamas )     in Gaza. His statement refers to the complete elimination of Hamas in Gaza.

Netanyahu made this statement at a time when support for him is waning internationally and he is facing sharp criticism for not ending the devastating war in Gaza. As Netanyahu’s speech was about to begin, representatives from several countries left the General Assembly room en masse. Dissonant shouts and boos echoed throughout Netanyahu’s speech. However, the US delegation has supported Netanyahu’s campaign against Hamas.

Some people continued to applaud.
While some heads of state and representatives walked out of the UNGA to protest Netanyahu’s speech, others in the meeting continued to applaud. Applause resonated throughout many parts of the General Assembly, while Netanyahu continued to deliver his speech with full force and vigor.

Netanyahu placed a QR code on his jacket.
Netanyahu presented a picture of Gaza. It resembled a map, titled “THE CURSE.” He marked it with a large marker. Later, he pasted a QR code on his jacket and displayed a board with multiple-choice questions, which he read aloud to the audience. During his speech, Netanyahu repeatedly praised US President Donald Trump, who has been a key supporter of his political and military approach in the region.

Israel seizes Gazans’ phones
Benjamin Netanyahu said that in an unprecedented operation, the Israeli army would take control of the mobile phones of Gazan residents and Hamas members, and that his speech would be broadcast live through these mobile devices. Shortly after, news broke that the Israeli army had seized the Gazans’ phones.

Netanyahu responds to the world
Netanyahu faces international isolation, accusations of war crimes, and mounting pressure to end the conflict, which he continues to escalate. His speech on the world’s largest stage on Friday was an attempt to respond to international criticism.