‘We have not forgotten you’: Netanyahu addresses hostages in Hebrew from UN podium

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is going to speak directly to the hostages through massive loudspeakers along the Gaza border “in the hope that our dear hostages can hear my message.”

Speaking in Hebrew, then English, Netanyahu says, “Our brave heroes – This is Prime Minister Netanyahu speaking to you live from the United Nations. We have not forgotten you, not even for a second. The people of Israel are with you. We will not falter and we will not rest until we bring all you home!”

He says that his words are being streamed to the cellphones of Gazans, although reports in Gaza have contested this.

“To the remaining Hamas leaders, and to the jailers of our hostages,” he says, “I now say – lay down your arms. Let my people go. Free the hostages. All of them. The whole 48. Free the hostages now.”

“If you do, you will live. If you don’t, Israel will hunt you down,” he growls.

“If Hamas agrees to our demands, the war could end right now,” he says. “Gaza would be demilitarized. Israel would retain overriding security control. And a peaceful civilian authority would be established by Gazans and others committed to peace with Israel.”