Israel-Hamas war live updates: Cease-fire negotiations inch forward as Israel plans Rafah ground offensive
NBCFeb 28
US Airdrops Aid to Gaza, Mediators Rush for Ceasefire Deal
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Image copyright: Ahmad Hasaballah/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Three US military planes — coordinating with the Jordanian Air Force — dropped about 38K meals along the Mediterranean coast in southwest Gaza on Saturday. The airdrop was announced on Friday, a day after a deadly incident in which at least 115 Palestinians were killed by crush and Israeli fire.
Meanwhile, talks between the US, Qatar, and Egypt took place in Cairo over the weekend as mediators rush to cement a deal between Israel and Hamas before Ramadan that would see some of the hostages freed in exchange for an extended ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Israel must be able to defend itself from terrorist attacks from Gaza or elsewhere, and the US is committed to preventing malicious actors from threatening Israel's legitimate concerns. However, the Biden administration is losing its patience with Netanyahu's intransigence. Last week's tragic incident is just another sign that this war needs to wind down, and all of the main actors involved must work toward a more permanent resolution.
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel will always be thankful for the US' steadfast support, but the Biden administration needs to refrain from tying Israel's hands behind its back. Hamas is simply not interested in negotiating in good faith and has consistently shown its preference for violence. In contrast, Israel has done everything it can to ensure the safety of civilians in a war it did not want. Israel will pursue its goals, which are incredibly popular with its citizens, regardless of whether it annoys Washington or anyone else.
Pro-Palestine narrative
As Israel's slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza continues unabated, the Biden administration, increasingly anxious over the upcoming election, has resorted to cheap tactics to deny its support for Israel's brutal campaign. Regardless of how the administration tries to spin it, Biden has armed Israel, given it diplomatic cover, and refused to call for a permanent cease-fire — all of which incentivizes continued bloodshed. Indeed, Israel's war on Gaza would be unsustainable without US support, and Biden should enact concrete policy to stop the violence.
