US confirms direct talks with Hamas over Gaza captives
Al JazeeraFEB 21
Trump Threatens Hamas, Palestinians in Gaza if Hostages Not Released
Above: Palestinians wait in line to receive hot food as charities distribute food to Palestinians in Nuseirat refugee camp on the sixth day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in Gaza City, Gaza on March 6, 2025. Image copyright: Moiz Salhi/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Both sides need to make concessions so that the cease-fire can continue. Nonetheless, halting aid entering Gaza risks escalating the situation and exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the strip. For the hostages to be released, Netanyahu should stop playing politics.
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel has consistently negotiated in good faith with Hamas, a terror group, but the situation is reaching a point at which further talks are pointless. Hamas has been the main obstacle to peace throughout the war and now is no different. If the terror group does not agree to release more hostages and work with Israel and the US, the war must resume in the coming days.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Though the Western media is blaming Hamas for Israel's blatant violations of the cease-fire, the reality is Netanyahu was never interested in ending the war or freeing the hostages. Hamas has followed the cease-fire, largely ignoring Israeli violations such as killing civilians, yet the US is backing Israel's attempts to starve Gaza again and commit even more war crimes in the delusional belief that this will save the hostages.