Biden Administration has discussed potentially negotiating unilateral deal with Hamas to free U.S. hostages
NBCJun 20
Blinken Travels to Egypt, Israel to Discuss Cease-fire Proposal
Above: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference at the Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Centre on June 8, 2024 in Ramat Gan, Israel. Image copyright: Jack Guez/Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Egypt on Monday to discuss a potential Gaza cease-fire deal in his eighth trip to the region since the war began. Blinken was also set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials.
Hamas said on Monday that it is still reviewing the proposal announced by US Pres. Joe Biden last month. Hamas claimed last week that the written proposal it received was different than what Biden laid out in his announcement, saying it did not guarantee a permanent end to the conflict.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
A guaranteed end to the war will ensure increased humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, preserve Israel's security, and create a better "day after" in Gaza without Hamas in power. If Hamas is ready to engage constructively, then the Israeli government must stand behind the cease-fire plan. Hamas must seize this moment and stop the fighting.
Pro-Israel narrative
Every success on the battlefield should be celebrated, and Israeli forces managed to accomplish an astonishing rescue. Still, Israel must also remember that every victory hardens the hearts of Hamas' terrorist leadership. Israel cannot solely rely on military pressure to win this war, as the diplomatic and international fronts are crucial in defeating Hamas.
Pro-Palestine narrative
It should be clear after almost eight months of grinding brutality that Israel's true goal is to destroy Gaza and starve its people. Israel's "rescue operation" — which the US participated in — killed over 250 people, yet Israel and the US act as if this would somehow improve the situation. Israel is committing daily massacres in Gaza, and the US is fully complicit.