Israel Set to Approve Hostage Release Deal With Hamas

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Nov 21, 2023

Image copyright: Amir Levy/Getty Images News [via Getty Images]story last updated Nov 21, 2023

The Facts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 38-minister cabinet gathered on Tuesday for a detailed debate and vote on a deal that would see the release of around 50 hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Despite opposition from the Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit parties, the government has a majority to approve the deal.
According to CBS News, the agreement brokered by the US and Qatar would include a limited six-hour cease-fire for four days as well as the release of three Palestinian prisoners — women and children — held in Israeli detention centers for each hostage freed.

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

While freeing hostages is of the utmost important, Israel must not succumb to international pressure. Hamas has a history of forcing unfair deals, and if entered into carelessly, it could use the ceasefire to regroup and rearm itself and perpetuate its dominance in Gaza. Any negotiation with the terrorists could be destructive to Israel's future, which is why it must proceed cautiously.

Times of Israel

Establishment-critical narrative

Though the Israel Defense Forces are getting closer to the hostages, a tactical assault on Hamas to free the captives could lead to the deaths of many more. Israel must do whatever it takes to bring its citizens home immediately, including a prisoner exchange or a temporary ceasefire, which will also see much-needed aid reach Gaza, where a humanitarian cataclysm is currently unfolding.