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NPR Online NewsJul 21
Two Al Jazeera Journalists Reportedly Killed in Israeli Strike Near Gaza City
Above: Smoke rises over the Gaza Strip after an Israeli bombardment as seen from a position on the Israeli side of the border on July 23, 2024 in Southern Israel, Israel. Image copyright: Amir Levy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Al Jazeera said on Wednesday that Ismail al-Ghoul and his cameraman Rami al-Refee were killed in an Israeli strike in the Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City. The pair had reportedly been near the Gaza home of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran on Wednesday.
Reports indicate that al-Ghoul and al-Refee were in a vehicle when the strike occurred. Israel's military did not comment on their deaths.
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. 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
Israel continues to demonstrate its resolve and its commitment to defend its citizens. Iran has launched an existential war against Israel, and it must act proactively to ensure its security. Had Israel caved to the pressure, it would not have achieved so much in recent months. Israel wants to end the war, but it must be on acceptable terms that prevent Hamas' survival.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Israel's aggressive posture only demonstrates that it is a rogue state that would rather light the region on fire than stop its genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Netanyahu continues to engage in provocative acts because he has failed to achieve his political and military objectives. While Netanyahu extends the war to ensure his political survival, the US continues to support Israel with a blank check and obfuscate its role in the carnage.
Narrative D
Hezbollah and the regional resistance's primary goal has always been to end the war in Gaza, not start a far larger regional conflict. Nonetheless, Israel's aggression against Beirut and Hamas' political leadership must be responded to.