Hamas Considers Latest Cease-Fire Proposal

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The Facts

  • In a statement, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh said he spoke with Egypt's intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Thursday, and Hamas is considering the most recent Gaza cease-fire proposal with a "positive spirit."

  • The proposal is said to include a six-week cease-fire, the release of 33 hostages, and an Israeli withdrawal after further negotiations establish "permanent calm." An unnamed Hamas official said part of the text is too vague, specifically regarding the end of the war.

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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Israel must be able to defend itself from terrorist attacks and the US is committed to preventing malicious actors from threatening Israel's legitimate concerns. But US Pres. Joe Biden's administration is losing its patience with Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu's intransigence, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza is rapidly getting out of hand. The situation must be remedied and an Israeli offensive in Rafah would only make the situation worse.

NBC

Pro-Israel narrative

In these critical times, Israel's military is diligently preparing for the possibility of an offensive into Rafah to dismantle Hamas' remaining battalions. Israel has fought a noble fight against Hamas' terror, and it seems imperative that Israel enter Rafah and finish this once and for all. However, given the complexities of the situation, Israel will calculate its next moves carefully.

Jerusalem Post

Pro-Palestine narrative

Regardless of whether Israel is allowed to enter Rafah, the US is responsible for the atrocities Israel has inflicted upon the Palestinians of Gaza. Biden, worried about domestic political pressures, wants to make it seem as if he never fully supported this war. But from the beginning, Israel has been dependent on the US in its campaign to destroy Gaza and starve its people.

Middle East Eye

Metaculus Prediction

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