Families of some of the hostages held a banner saying “48 hostages are waiting for leaders to make courageous decisions” (Credit: Alon Kaplun)[Missing Credit]
Others called his decision to broadcast his speech in Gaza via speakers installed along the border – and, according to the IDF, within the strip – “psychological abuse” unless he signs an agreement for the hostages’ release while he is in the US.
The comments from some of the families came as Netanyahu delivered a blistering attack at the United Nation’s General Assembly. Speaking earlier this afternoon, he claimed that Western nations recognising Palestine showed Hamas that “murdering Jews pays off”.
Following a mass walkout by delegates in protest of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, the Israeli prime minister also invoked the Biblical figure Moses, along with the names of the remaining hostages held captive by Hamas.
He declared at the summit: “Lay down your arms, let my people go”.
He also read out the list of names of the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, and confirmed reports that the speech was being broadcast across speakers there, in the hope, he said, that “our dear hostages hear our message”.
Relaying the message first in Hebrew, he said: “Our brave heroes, this is Prime Minister Netanyahu speaking to you live from the United Nations. We have not forgotten you, not for a second. The people of Israel are with you. We will not rest and we will not falter until we bring all of you home.”
Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the 2025 United Nations General Assembly in New York (Photo: Getty)Getty Images
Netanyahu added that the speech was also being streamed live to the Gazans and warned them that if they failed to return the hostages, “We will hunt you down.”
But addressing a crowd of protesters outside the UN building in New York, released hostage Ilana Gritzewsky, whose partner Matan Zangauker is still held captive, accused Netanyahu of lying.
“Netanyahu I met you in Nir Oz, you promised me you'd bring Matan back. You promised me you would bring back David and Ariel Cunio, and Eitan Horn, all of the hostages. You looked me in the eyes, you said in your own voice you would bring everyone back. You lied to us.”
She continued: “You obstructed [US Middle East envoy Steve] Witkoff’s deal. We could have had everyone home. Instead, heroes fall in battle, hostages might be murdered and the deceased might disappear forever. You chose to conquer Gaza, you chose to kill the hostages, you didn’t listen to your people, who shout out. You didn’t listen to security officials. You didn’t listen to me,” she went on.
Families of some of the hostages held a banner saying “48 hostages are waiting for leaders to make courageous decisions” (Credit: Alon Kaplun)[Missing Credit]
“You are waging a war that has no meaning besides keeping your [position in office]. You sold your people to stay in power. We won’t shut up or sit on the sidelines. We will fight, we will advocate, until the last hostage.”
She added: “My Matan, you will hear our prime minister now, because he placed speakers in Gaza. But I hope you will hear me too and know that I am fighting for you. The entire nation is fighting for you, and for everyone. We will get everyone back in an agreement. We will not give up on you. I promise you and all the hostages, we will end the war and bring everyone home”.
Ruby Chen claimed the prime minister “shows no respect to me or to my family, and there should be no reason why he should have my respect as well.”
He added: “The job is to get 48 hostages home, not 20, not 15, and not five; 48 hostages he needs to get out, and we want all of them now.”
Even before Netanyahu’s address, the plan to broadcast his speech in Gaza sharp criticism from some hostage families.
Lishi Miran Lavi, whose husband Omri is held hostage, appealed to Netanyahu: “I heard that you placed loudspeakers across Gaza to speak to Gazans. Instead of Gazans, I want to speak to those desperate for a voice of hope – the hostages and the soldiers.
“If the loudspeakers are already there, I would be glad to send a recording to Omri, so I can tell him and all the hostages and soldiers that the people of Israel are fighting for them and overwhelmingly want a deal to bring them home and end the fighting – and that we will not give up. Do you agree?”
Anat Angrest, mother of hostage Matan, said: “Netanyahu, my son Matan and other hostages may hear you today. Any sentence other than ‘I came to the US to sign a deal to bring you all home’ amounts to psychological abuse. Don’t break their hope if any is left.”
