Israel Announced a New Invasion of Gaza. Is It Bluffing?
New York TimesMAY 8
Netanyahu to Meet Trump Amid Renewed Push for Gaza Deal
Above: A child carries a jerrycan filled with water in Gaza City on July 7, 2025. Image copyright: Mahmoud Issa/Anadolu/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Both sides need to make concessions so that a ceasefire can be fully implemented and the hostages are returned. The return to war has not saved the hostages and Israel's aid distribution plans have proven to be ineffective and problematic. Allowing in a token amount of aid will not significantly improve the humanitarian situation, only a ceasefire will.
Pro-Israel narrative
Trump and Netanyahu want a deal that leads to the return of the hostages, but the ball is ultimately in Hamas' court. The terror group's unrealistic demands have consistently stalled negotiations and imperiled the lives of millions of Palestinians. Israel never wanted this war, and it's up to Hamas to decide when it will end.
Pro-Palestine narrative
The United States and Israel continue using the same tired playbook they've been using since day one — undermine negotiations then blame Hamas. Hamas has been clear that it would release all of the hostages in exchange for the end of the war, yet Israel would rather commit genocide in Gaza than see the hostages return. This war will only end when the United States pressures Israel to withdraw.