Four Israeli Soldiers, 200 Palestinians Released

Published JAN 25 2025

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Above: Four Israeli hostages, (L-R) Naama Levy, Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa and Karina Ariev, wave on a stage before Hamas fighters hand them over to a team from the Red Cross in Gaza City on Jan. 25, 2025. Image credit: Omar Al-Qattaa/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

While the Israel-Hamas cease-fire may not end the war, the release represents a significant humanitarian achievement, demonstrates the effectiveness of diplomatic negotiations in securing the freedom of hostages, and paves the way for increased humanitarian aid and potentially further exchanges.

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Narrative B

The staged nature of the release ceremony — with Hamas fighters prominently displayed and hostages appearing to act under duress — shows the group's cynical exploitation of the situation for propaganda purposes and failure to meet its obligation to first release civilian hostages as agreed.

Reuters Timesofisrael