Biden admin carefully ramps up criticism of Israel over the Gaza war but stops short of cutting off military aid
NBCMar 05
Hamas Considers Latest Cease-Fire Proposal
Image copyright: ATPImages/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images (2021)
The Facts
In a statement, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh said he spoke with Egypt's intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Thursday, and Hamas is considering the most recent Gaza cease-fire proposal with a "positive spirit."
The proposal is said to include a six-week cease-fire, the release of 33 hostages, and an Israeli withdrawal after further negotiations establish "permanent calm." An unnamed Hamas official said part of the text is too vague, specifically regarding the end of the war.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Israel must be able to defend itself from terrorist attacks and the US is committed to preventing malicious actors from threatening Israel's legitimate concerns. But US Pres. Joe Biden's administration is losing its patience with Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu's intransigence, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza is rapidly getting out of hand. The situation must be remedied and an Israeli offensive in Rafah would only make the situation worse.
Pro-Israel narrative
In these critical times, Israel's military is diligently preparing for the possibility of an offensive into Rafah to dismantle Hamas' remaining battalions. Israel has fought a noble fight against Hamas' terror, and it seems imperative that Israel enter Rafah and finish this once and for all. However, given the complexities of the situation, Israel will calculate its next moves carefully.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Regardless of whether Israel is allowed to enter Rafah, the US is responsible for the atrocities Israel has inflicted upon the Palestinians of Gaza. Biden, worried about domestic political pressures, wants to make it seem as if he never fully supported this war. But from the beginning, Israel has been dependent on the US in its campaign to destroy Gaza and starve its people.
Nerd narrative
There's a 2% chance that there will be UN peacekeeping troops in Gaza on May 31, 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.