We paged Hezbollah and they got message: Bibi

In a combative speech, Israel PM talks of hostages & ‘Iran terror axis’ amid walkout by some delegates

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began the proceedings on Friday as the first speaker on the fourth day of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). 

His address came as the General Debate resumed in New York, with protests in solidarity with Palestine taking place outside the UN headquarters.

As Netanyahu took the stage, several delegates walked out in protest. Setting the tone for what was expected to be a combative speech, he began by addressing "the families of our dear hostages languishing in the dungeons of Gaza." In a familiar move seen in past UNGA appearances, Netanyahu held up a map, which he said illustrated "Iran's terror axis." He then went on to outline Israeli operations across the region, including targeted strikes and assassinations, and claimed Israel had reshaped the Middle East.

Referring to a recent operation in Lebanon, Netanyahu remarked, "You remember those beepers, the pagers, we paged Hezbollah, and believe me, they got the message." The Israeli leader, who faces an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant over alleged war crimes, spoke of the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, senior Hamas operatives, Houthi leaders and Iranian scientists. 

Netanyahu's arrival in New York drew demonstrations backing Palestine as he prepared to deliver his address at the annual debate. Alongside him, Friday's line-up of speakers at UNGA 80 included leaders from Pakistan, China, Ireland and Greece.

68 cos blacklisted for complicity in human rights violations

Geneva: The UN has added nearly 70 more companies to a blacklist of companies from 11 countries that it says are complicit in violating Palestinian human rights through their business ties to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The new list spotlights companies that do business that's deemed supportive of the settlements, which are considered by many to be illegal under international law. It includes an array of companies like vendors of construction materials and earth-movers, as well as providers of security, travel and financial services. 

Microsoft curbs Israel’s access to cloud, AI products 

Washington: Microsoft has said it disabled services to a unit within the Israeli military after a company review determined its artificial intelligence and cloud computing products were being used to help carry out mass surveillance of Palestinians. The action comes after The AP and The Guardian published reports earlier this year revealing how Israeli Ministry of Defence was using Microsoft's Azure to aid in the war. Brad Smith, Microsoft's vice chair and president, wrote in a blog post that the company was taking steps to enforce compliance with its terms of service.