Netanyahu downplays Gaza civilian casualties in US Congress speech

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday, downplaying the civilian death toll in Gaza. "How many civilians were killed? Practically none," Netanyahu asserted, despite reports indicating over 39,000 Palestinian fatalities.

The enclave’s civilian infrastructure has been decimated, with hundreds of journalists, medical workers, and UN staff among the dead.

Netanyahu faced a depleted House, with dozens of lawmakers opting to boycott or skip his speech.

Reasons for the absence of lawmakers varied, including opposition to his far-right government and disapproval of his approach to the war on Gaza. Some cited scheduling conflicts.

Outside the US Capitol and across downtown Washington DC, thousands of pro-Palestinian and anti-war activists gathered.

The protesters, who travelled from across the country, directed their ire at Netanyahu, accusing him of leading a genocide in Gaza.

The protests and boycotts highlight the growing international and domestic criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza. As Netanyahu continues to defend his government's stance, the global call for accountability and an end to the conflict remains loud and persistent.