Netanyahu Outlines Path to Peace with Demilitarized Gaza, Addresses Hostage Families’ Concerns
In a speech to the UN General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that peace between Israel and Gaza is achievable, contingent upon the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the establishment of a “peaceful civil government.” He asserted that Hamas’s capacity to repeat the October 7th attacks has been severely diminished,reiterating previous statements from Israeli army leadership that a “massacre as on October 7,2023 will never be repeated.”
Netanyahu vehemently denied allegations of genocide and a deliberate hunger policy in Gaza, claiming the ratio of fatalities between terrorists and non-combatants is two to one. He directly addressed Palestinians in Gaza, stating, “Put your weapons down. If you do that, you will live. If not, Israel will hunt you.” He indicated that the Israeli secret service is broadcasting these messages via IDF loudspeakers and telephone lines within Gaza.
the Prime Minister also addressed the 48 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, stating that 20 are believed to be alive – all young men – and are being “starved, tortured and deprived of any daylight.” He directly appealed to the hostages, assuring them, ”I will not rest until we have brought you home.”
During his speech, tal Kuperstein, father of hostage Bar Kuperstein, interrupted twice from the audience gallery, calling for his son’s freedom. Kuperstein, who is paralyzed following a stroke and car accident, has dedicated himself to advocating for his son’s release. He was subsequently escorted from the hall after his second interjection.
Netanyahu then read the names of the 20 hostages believed to be alive, omitting the names of Tamir Nimrodi and Bipin Joshi, whose fates remain unconfirmed, and those of deceased hostages. This omission drew strong criticism from families of the hostages.
Ronen Neutra,whose son Omer was killed by Hamas and is still listed as a hostage,expressed his outrage,stating,”My son was born in New York,went to Israel to serve the army and gave his life. But he is not even mentioned. He doesn’t care about everyone. I don’t care about everyone. I was ashamed to listen to this speech.”
Many families of hostages have expressed a lack of trust in Netanyahu’s commitment to securing their loved ones’ release, alleging he prioritizes the preservation of his government over the lives of the hostages and is using their plight to garner international sympathy and silence critics of the war in Gaza.
Separately, US President Donald Trump told reporters on the same day that a deal for the end of the Gaza war and the release of the hostages appeared to be nearing completion, stating, “It looks like we have an agreement on Gaza.We will further inform you.”
