Hamas, the Islamist movement that controls the Gaza Strip, has sharply criticized a recent speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The group labeled his address to the United Nations as full of “blatant lies,” rejecting many of his claims and warning of serious consequences.
What Netanyahu Said
In his speech at the UN, Netanyahu defended Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and doubled down on its objectives. He asserted that Israel must continue until Hamas is dismantled, and he rejected calls to recognize a Palestinian state. He denied accusations that Israel is starving Gazans or committing war crimes, instead describing international criticism as unfair and biased.
The Guardian
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AP News
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He accused nations that recognized Palestine of sending an empowering message to terrorism, and he asserted that Israel was acting to defend itself and ensure security.
Reuters
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The Guardian
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Hamas’s Reaction
Almost immediately, Hamas responded with strong denunciations:
It said Netanyahu’s speech included a “series of lies,” accusing him of distorting facts and hiding the truth.
Arab News
In past statements, Hamas has accused Netanyahu of deliberately misleading the world about Gaza, war conditions, and Israel’s military actions.
Arab News
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Los Angeles Times
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In addition, Hamas argued that the threats and rhetoric in the speech pose a danger not only to Palestine but to regional peace.
Nour News
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In summary, Hamas rejects Netanyahu’s narrative, insisting that much of what he says is intended to mislead international opinion rather than to reflect reality.
Why This Dispute Matters
This clash at the level of words and narratives is more than just political posturing:
International Opinion
Netanyahu’s speech was aimed partly at the world stage — to rally support and push back against criticism of Israel’s actions. Hamas’s counter-response shows how the conflict extends into how the world views the war.
Credibility & Facts
When one side accuses the other of lies, the question becomes: Who controls the facts? Which reports, casualty figures, images, or testimonies are accurate? Disputes over credibility weaken efforts at mediation and peace.
Escalation Risks
Strong rhetorical attacks often reflect deep tensions. When either side frames the other as dishonest or malevolent, it becomes harder to trust, negotiate, or back down.
Impact on Civilians
The daily lives of Palestinians and Israelis are shaped not only by military actions but by the narratives surrounding those actions. Accusations, denials, and counterclaims affect humanitarian access, media coverage, and aid flows.
Looking Ahead
As the war in Gaza continues, both sides seem determined to maintain their narratives. Netanyahu is likely to persist in framing the conflict as a security and survival issue for Israel. Hamas, in turn, will use every public platform to counter his claims and assert its own version of events.
For outside observers or international mediators, the challenge is immense: sorting through competing claims and verifying facts. The truth often becomes another battlefield.
If you like, I can also prepare a neutral fact-check version of this article (showing evidence from both sides) or translate it into Urdu. Which would you prefer?