Netanyahu sketches vague outline for post-war Gaza in speech to Congress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sketched a vague outline of a plan for a "deradicalised" post-war Gaza in a speech to Congress on Wednesday and touted a potential future alliance between Israel and America's Arab allies.

While dozens of Democrats boycotted his remarks and thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated nearby, Netanyahu dismissed criticism of an Israeli campaign that has devastated the Palestinian enclave and killed more than 39,000 of its residents, according to Gaza health officials.

He blamed reports of hunger in Gaza on Hamas and insisted Israel was protecting civilians there. He said Israel was intensely engaged in efforts to free the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

Greeted by a standing ovation and cheers from Republicans, and a more subdued reception from Democrats, Netanyahu pledged that hostages would be released soon.

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers skipped his speech, expressing dismay over the thousands of civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis from Israel's campaign in the Hamas-ruled Palestinian enclave of Gaza.

Hamas-led fighters stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 captives, according to Israeli tallies. Some 120 hostages are still being held, though Israel believes one in three are dead.

In a speech lasting about an hour and interrupted repeatedly by applause, Netanyahu sought to shore up US support for Israel, especially weapons supplies, in the face of growing international censure after more than nine months of conflict in the Palestinian enclave that has threatened to escalate into a broader regional conflict.

"Fast-tracking US military aid could dramatically expedite an end to the war in Gaza and help prevent a broader war in the Middle East," Netanyahu said.

He said Israel was actively engaged in intensive efforts to secure the hostages' release. He said his post-war vision was of a "demilitarised and deradicalised Gaza" led by Palestinians who do not seek to destroy Israel.

US officials have repeatedly pressed Netanyahu to present a "day after" plan for Gaza. Netanyahu has said Israel would not allow Hamas to return to power but would also not accept the Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the occupied West Bank, having a role.

Meanwhile, protesters demanding the US stop military aid to Israel hoisted Palestinian flags and burnt American ones outside Washington's Union Station in demonstrations against Netanyahu’s visit.

Less than a mile away, police used pepper spray on some of the thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters who gathered outside the US Capitol while Netanyahu spoke to Congress.