Key facts
- US Senator Chris Van Hollen called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a 'wanted war criminal'.
- Netanyahu is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly.
- Netanyahu plans to defend Israel's military actions and accuse NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani of supporting Hamas.
- President Donald Trump condemned the International Criminal Court as 'out of control' and 'evil'.
- Jordan's King Abdullah II warned the UN that Israel's 'expansionist appetite' is a regional threat.
- Israel criticized French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks on Gaza as 'grotesque absurdity'.
US Senator Chris Van Hollen stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s accusations against New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani are lies and that Netanyahu is a 'wanted war criminal who has blocked justice for Americans killed on his watch.'
Netanyahu is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly, where he intends to defend Israel's military actions in Gaza and counter what he described as a 'false narrative.' His remarks come after Mamdani labeled Netanyahu a 'war criminal and an architect of a horrific genocide of the Palestinian people.' Netanyahu accused Mamdani of supporting 'Hamas terrorist monsters' and inciting riots against New York Jews.
US President Donald Trump previously urged members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to resign, condemning the institution as 'out of control' and 'an evil group of people.' The Trump administration had previously imposed sanctions on ICC officials following the court's issuance of an arrest warrant for Netanyahu.
Jordan's King Abdullah II told the UN that Israel's 'expansionist appetite' poses a threat to the Middle East, warning of impunity and unchecked ambitions. Israel also criticized French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks on Gaza as 'grotesque absurdity.' Macron's office later suggested there had been a 'misinterpretation' of his words regarding the West Bank.
The Hamas raid on October 7, 2023, resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 kidnappings, according to Israeli authorities. Gaza health officials report that Israel's subsequent assault has killed over 73,000 Palestinians.