Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a contentious speech to the US Congress on July 24, 2024, defending Israel’s actions in Gaza and vowing ‘total victory’ against Hamas. The address, which lasted about an hour, was met with mixed reactions both domestically and internationally.Netanyahu’s speech focused on criticizing Hamas and Iran while emphasizing the strong ties between the US and Israel. He called for increased US support in the fight against Hamas and ridiculed American protesters, labeling them as ‘useful idiots’ for Israel’s adversaries. The Prime Minister’s remarks were met with applause from many Republican lawmakers, but also with stony silence from leading Democrats, some of whom boycotted the speech entirely.Notably absent from Netanyahu’s address were concrete plans for ending the war in Gaza or releasing the remaining hostages. This omission disappointed many, including families of Israeli hostages who were present at the speech. The lack of focus on these critical issues led to criticism from various quarters, including former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who described it as ‘the worst foreign address she had ever heard’.The speech sparked widespread protests both inside and outside the Capitol, with thousands gathering to condemn the war and the humanitarian crisis it has created in Gaza. Palestinian officials and activists strongly criticized Netanyahu’s justification of Israel’s military operations.Amid this political turmoil, a grim development emerged from Gaza. Five more Israeli hostages were found dead in the Gaza Strip, bringing the total number of confirmed dead hostages to 111. This news has intensified calls for a more conciliatory approach to the conflict, with some advocating for a ceasefire while others push for a military solution.The speech and its aftermath have highlighted the deep divisions both within Israel and internationally regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As the situation continues to evolve, pressure mounts on Netanyahu’s government to address the hostage crisis and consider potential paths to de-escalation.
Key points
- Netanyahu delivered a controversial speech to US Congress, defending Israel’s actions in Gaza.
- The speech was met with mixed reactions, including criticism from Democrats and widespread protests.
- Five more Israeli hostages were found dead in Gaza, bringing the total to 111 confirmed dead.
- Netanyahu’s failure to address the hostage situation and potential ceasefire negotiations disappointed many.
Contradictions👾While Netanyahu claimed no civilians were killed in the ‘Refah’ operation, other sources report tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties.
👾Netanyahu emphasized strong US-Israel ties, but his speech highlighted divisions in American society over the war.
