A circulated video clip captured Israeli vehicles equipped with loudspeakers, which media reports indicated were intended to broadcast Netanyahu’s speech in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu began his speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly by stating that “Israel and the United States face a common threat, which is terrorism. Many leaders supported Israel after October 7, 2023,” adding, “but this support has now evaporated.” The Israeli Prime Minister explained that 207 hostages have been returned, but 48 hostages remain in Gaza’s tunnels, among them 20 are still alive. Netanyahu stated that what he described as “remnants of Hamas” still exist in the city and that the mission must be completed as quickly as possible, adding: “I say to the hostages in Gaza, we have not forgotten you, and we will not surrender or spare any effort until we bring you back home.” He continued: “I say to the Hamas leaders, lay down your weapons and release all the hostages. If you do not do so, Israel will pursue you,” adding: “Israel will take control of the Gaza Strip and a civil authority will be established there.” From October 7, 2023, until September 26 of the current year, operations on Gaza have resulted in the deaths of about 66,000 Palestinians and around 168,000 injured, according to data from the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza.
