Israel and Hamas are set to swap more hostages for prisoners in another test of the Gaza ceasefire
Associated PressFEB 8
Four Israeli Soldiers, 200 Palestinians Released
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 copyright: 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.
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.