Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint meeting of Congress today, defending Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza amid significant protests and a notable boycott by dozens of Democratic lawmakers. In his speech, Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the high civilian casualties in Gaza, which Palestinian health officials estimate to be over 120,000 since the conflict escalated on October 7. He characterized the deaths as a strategic goal of Hamas, asserting that the group seeks to use civilian suffering to garner international sympathy against Israel.

Netanyahu's address, which received mixed reactions from lawmakers, highlighted the bipartisan support he enjoys from many Republicans and some Democrats, despite the protests outside the Capitol where demonstrators clashed with police. He portrayed Iran as a mutual adversary, linking Israel's military actions to broader U.S. interests in the region. \"When Israel acts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, we're not only protecting ourselves, we're protecting you,\" he stated.

The Prime Minister reiterated his vision for Gaza's future governance, calling for a civilian administration led by Palestinians who do not seek Israel's destruction, a proposal that U.S. officials have previously deemed unrealistic. He faced pressure to negotiate a deal for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, but did not announce any breakthroughs during his speech, instead promising ongoing efforts for their release.

Following Netanyahu's remarks, discussions among analysts reflected on the implications of his speech. Some noted that while he thanked President Biden for his support, there was a lack of concrete steps towards resolving the hostage situation or addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Critics pointed out that Netanyahu's approach may be politically motivated, potentially extending the conflict for his own political gain.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with reports of severe humanitarian conditions and rising casualties, the international community watches closely for any signs of a ceasefire or a shift in Israel's military strategy. The ongoing conflict raises urgent questions about the future of peace in the region and the humanitarian implications for the Palestinian population.