Israel Intensifies Gaza Attacks as Netanyahu Addresses UN
Israeli forces are pushing further into Gaza City, escalating attacks as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu travels to New York to address the United Nations General Assembly. This comes amidst rising global condemnation and reports of significant casualties, including at least 19 Palestinians killed on Thursday.
Gaza Under Attack
According to local health authorities, Israeli strikes resulted in at least 19 deaths across the Gaza Strip on Thursday. This includes 11 people from two families in Zawayda town, in the central Gaza Strip, where a residential building was struck. While the Israeli military has not commented on this specific incident, they stated that they hit 170 targets across Gaza in the past 24 hours, focusing on "terror infrastructure" used by militant groups. Tanks have entered Gaza City as part of the ongoing offensive, which Israel claims aims to eliminate Hamas.
Netanyahu asserts that Gaza City is Hamas's last stronghold, but hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped, fearing there is nowhere safe to go. The offensive has caused extensive destruction, a humanitarian catastrophe, and widespread hunger.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
The international community remains divided. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed confidence in securing a breakthrough on Gaza in the coming days. President Trump reportedly shared a 21-point Middle East peace plan with leaders of Muslim-majority countries in New York, promising he would not allow Israel to annex the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which Palestinians desire for an independent state alongside Gaza and East Jerusalem.
Despite Netanyahu's declaration that there will never be a Palestinian state, several nations, including Britain, France, and Canada, have formally recognized Palestinian statehood this week. Some of Netanyahu's coalition allies support annexing the West Bank.
Abbas and Netanyahu at the UN
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the General Assembly via video, expressing gratitude to countries recognizing Palestinian statehood and reiterating calls for a permanent end to the war in Gaza. He also affirmed readiness to work with Trump and others to implement a Gaza peace plan adopted at a September 22 conference, which he said could pave the way for a just peace and broader regional cooperation. Abbas also condemned the October 7 attack on Israel. Netanyahu is expected to address the General Assembly on Friday and meet with Trump next week.
Israel has become increasingly diplomatically isolated, with European nations and others criticizing its conduct. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Israel rejects the court's jurisdiction and denies committing war crimes.
Escalating Hostilities and Humanitarian Crisis
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told AFP news agency that the world should not be "intimidated" by Israel as it presses its devastating Gaza war and pursues a "creeping" West Bank occupation.
About 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. About 48 hostages remain in captivity, with 20 of them believed to be alive. According to local health authorities, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians.
| Key Figures | Positions/Actions |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Netanyahu | Israeli Prime Minister, addressing UN General Assembly, faces ICC warrant |
| Mahmoud Abbas | Palestinian President, addressed UN via video, calls for Palestinian state recognition |
| Donald Trump | U.S. President, pursuing a Gaza peace deal, shared peace plan with Arab leaders |
| Antonio Guterres | UN Secretary-General, warns against West Bank annexation, describes Gaza situation |
