Hostage taken from music festival during Hamas attack returns to the dance floor to celebrate life
NBCAug 19
UN Aid Operations Halted Due to New Israeli Evacuation Orders
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The Facts
A UN official reported on Monday that aid operations in Gaza have effectively halted due to new evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military. The orders were issued on Sunday night and affected Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. UN operations were not formally suspended, however.
UN humanitarian organizations were originally based around Rafah on the Gaza-Egypt border but moved to Deir al-Balah after Israel launched an offensive into the area earlier this year. UN staff reportedly have been directed to try and find a way to keep operating.
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 battle for Rafah was so important because it allowed Israeli forces to prevent Hamas from utilizing its subterranean supply lines into Gaza. Indeed, preventing Hamas from re-establishing these supply lines will prove crucial in defeating the terrorist group, and Netanyahu is correct in making the Philadelphi Corridor a red line. Israel cannot repeat past mistakes and will continue to hold firm in its demands.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Israel's aggressive posture only demonstrates that it's 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.