Netanyahu rejects genocide accusations in UN address

“Would a country committing genocide plead with the civilian population it is supposedly targeting to get out of harm’s way?” Netanyahu asked what was left of the delegates in the near-empty hall. “Did the Nazis ask the Jews to leave? Did any genocidal leaders in history do this? Of course not.”

The Israeli leader argued that his government has urged civilians to evacuate combat zones while Hamas, which he labelled a “genocidal terrorist organisation,” has tried to prevent them from leaving. He accused the militant group of being the true instigator of mass suffering.

Netanyahu’s remarks came after months of intensifying scrutiny over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed and most of the territory’s residents displaced. Human rights groups and aid agencies have warned of famine, disease and total collapse of basic services.

In a landmark report released this month, a UN commission concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet four of the five acts of genocide defined under international law, including killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, inflicting life-destroying conditions, and preventing births.

Separately, the International Court of Justice is hearing a case brought by South Africa that accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, a charge Israel has fiercely rejected. Earlier this year, the ICJ ordered Israel to ensure humanitarian aid reached civilians, but UN monitors say those orders have largely been ignored.

Despite the mounting legal challenges, Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead with the military campaign against Hamas, insisting Israel will “finish the job.” He accused critics of “turning the truth on its head” by equating Israel with genocidal regimes.