Israel and Hamas are set to swap more hostages for prisoners in another test of the Gaza ceasefire
Associated PressJAN 25
Freed Israeli Hostage Eli Sharabi Addresses UNSC
Above: Ambassador Danny Danon, Permanent Representative of Israel to the UN, speaks during a UN Security Council meeting concerning the situation in the Middle East alongside former Israeli hostage Eli Sharabi on March 20, 2025 in New York City. Image copyright: Michael M. Santiago/Staff/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The return to war will not save the hostages. Netanyahu is playing with fire as he divides Israel by moving to sack Ronen Bar and resuming the war in Gaza to buy time. Both sides need to make concessions so that the cease-fire can be fully implemented and the hostages returned.
Pro-Israel narrative
Eli Sharabi's testimony in front of the UNSC demonstrates why Israel is working so hard to free the hostages. Beaten and abused, Hamas terrorists have taken pleasure in their torture of Israeli hostages, yet the world has been silent. Israel, more than any other country, wants this war to end, but Hamas continues to refuse to release the hostages and surrender.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Though the suffering of the hostages is tragic, the blame for their continued captivity lies squarely at the feet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas has always been willing to release the hostages in exchange for the end of the war, but Israel has refused. Furthermore, thousands of Palestinians have been tortured and abused in Israeli detention, yet they are not given the opportunity to speak in front of the UNSC.