Israel and Hamas are set to swap more hostages for prisoners in another test of the Gaza ceasefire
Associated PressJAN 22
Hamas: Negotiations Halted Until Israel Releases Prisoners
Above: Palestinians struggle to survive amid the rubble of destroyed buildings and makeshift tents after the cease-fire in Beit Lahia, Gaza on Feb. 24, 2025. Image copyright: Abdul Hakim Abu Riash/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
Hamas said on Monday that it would not participate in further negotiations regarding the cease-fire in Gaza until Israel releases the 620 Palestinian prisoners who were supposed to be freed on Friday as part of the agreement. The group added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "intentionally sabotaging" the deal.
Netanyahu said that Israel is "prepared to resume intense fighting at any moment." Israel postponed the release of the prisoners citing what Netanyahu called "humiliating ceremonies" in Gaza when Israeli hostages were released.
The White House backed Israel's decision to delay the release of Palestinian prisoners, saying that it was an "appropriate response." US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said he would visit the region this week and that he expected the deal's second phase "to be implemented."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Given the suffering of the hostages, it is essential that the cease-fire continues and negotiations for the second phase commence immediately. Though Hamas' theatrics are morbid and cruel, Israel will only get its hostages back through diplomacy, which is understandably painful, but necessary.
Pro-Israel narrative
Hamas cannot be allowed to get away with the brutality it inflicted upon Israeli civilians on Oct. 7. Israel's main goal is the return of the hostages, and it wants to achieve this goal diplomatically. However, it cannot accept Hamas' continued presence in Gaza, and it will resume the war if need be.
Pro-Palestine narrative
As Israel continues to violate the cease-fire in Gaza, expand its territory in Lebanon and Syria, and light the occupied West Bank on fire, the US remains Israel's biggest supporter. It's obvious that Netanyahu is doing everything he can to undermine the cease-fire so he can save his political career — yet the US would rather turn a blind eye to this fact and support Israel's extremist positions.