Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a remarkable address at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, September 26, 2025, broadcasting his speech directly into the Gaza Strip. He invoked the historic phrase, “Let my people go,” echoing the biblical call of Moses to Pharaoh. Speaking with heartfelt intensity, Netanyahu reminded the world of the atrocities committed on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a devastating attack on Israel. “Much of the world no longer remembers Oct. 7, but we remember. Israel remembers Oct. 7,” he stated with palpable conviction.
Echoing the gravity of that day, he described the assault as the worst against Jews since the Holocaust. The prime minister detailed the horrific violence inflicted by Hamas, recounting the loss of 1,200 innocent lives, including more than 40 Americans and individuals from various countries. “They slaughtered… They beheaded men. They raped women. They burned babies alive,” he declared, painting a harrowing picture of brutality. “What monsters! And these monsters took more than 250 people hostage,” he continued, emphasizing the ongoing plight of those still in captivity.
Netanyahu described the Israeli government’s efforts to rescue hostages and announced that they had successfully brought home 207 of them. However, he conveyed the desperation of the remaining 48 hostages still trapped in Gaza under dire conditions. “Twenty of them are alive, starved, tortured, deprived of any daylight,” he lamented, invoking a sense of urgency and humanity in his plea.
His speech, broadcast on loudspeakers and cell phones throughout Gaza, was not merely informational but a direct appeal to the remaining Hamas leaders. “Lay down your arms. Let my people go!” he implored passionately. In stark terms, he warned that resistance would lead to severe consequences: “If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down.” The prime minister’s words carried weight, underscoring Israel’s determination in the face of aggression.
As the speech unfolded, former President Donald Trump echoed Netanyahu’s sentiments, speaking on the potential for a breakthrough in negotiations to end the conflict. Trump expressed optimism about a deal aimed at securing the release of hostages and restoring peace in Gaza. “It’s looking like we have a deal on Gaza,” he announced confidently, suggesting that it would pave the way for returning hostages and conclude hostilities.
Trump drew attention to the importance of united messaging in the international community regarding Hamas’s demands. He emphasized the need for leaders to rally behind a singular call for action. “Instead of giving in to Hamas’s ransom demands, those who want peace should be united with one message: Release the hostages now!” he stated, urging decisive action for humanitarian reasons.
In this tense climate, Netanyahu’s assertions at the UN resonated with a sense of historical significance. The invocation of Moses’ words was not merely symbolic; it illustrated Israel’s struggle for existence and a plea for justice in the face of unimaginable cruelty. The broadcast into Gaza symbolized not only a call to arms but also a cry for the humanity of the hostages.
Overall, the events surrounding Netanyahu’s speech and Trump’s announcement create a narrative of urgency and grave concern for those trapped in a conflict marked by violence and moral complexities. The emphasis on the need to secure innocent lives reflects a long-standing commitment to justice and the deep historical ties that both leaders draw upon in their shared struggle against terror.
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