Israel-Hamas war live updates: Hostage deaths spark labor strike, Gaza cease-fire protests
NBCAug 23
Netanyahu: Deal Between Israel, Hamas 'Not Close'
Above: Israeli soldiers stand on a tank as it is moving along the border with the Gaza Strip on August 29, 2024 in Southern Israel, Israel. Image copyright: Amir Levy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal is "not close," blaming Hamas for the lack of progress in negotiations. Netanyahu added that there are unresolved issues beyond Israel's presence along the Gaza-Egypt border — often referred to as the Philadelphi Corridor.
White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday that Hamas was "the biggest obstacle" to finalizing a cease-fire agreement, though he hinted that the US had also been frustrated with Netanyahu's demands in negotiations.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
With the clock ticking, the US and its allies are confident that after some tough negotiating, a deal between Israel and Hamas can be reached. A guaranteed end to the war will ensure increased humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, the release of Israeli hostages, and create a better "day after" in Gaza without Hamas in power. The US will continue to work toward closing the gaps and ensuring that peace and stability can be restored to the region.
Pro-Israel narrative
The murder of the six hostages over the weekend should serve as a wake-up call to Israelis that Hamas — with its international backing and regional safe havens — cannot be negotiated with. Every Israeli wants to see the hostages released, but Hamas has used the negotiations to kick the can down the road and ensure its survival. This situation is one of the biggest security dilemmas Israel has ever faced.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Everyone seems to understand — including most Israelis — that the main obstacle to ending this war is Benjamin Netanyahu. However, the US continues its charade of blaming Hamas for the lack of progress when the group has shown much flexibility in negotiations. The six hostages died over the weekend because Israel refuses to end its genocidal campaign in Gaza. The war could be over tomorrow, yet the US continues to back Netanyahu's intransigence.