Israel-Gaza cease-fire begins despite last-minute delay
FOX News2 days
UNRWA Reports 'Good First Day' of Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire
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Above: Trucks carrying aid passing through the Kerem Abu Salim Border Gate and reaching the city of Deir al-Balah are moving on the road after the ceasefire and hostage-prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, on Jan. 20, 2025. Image copyright: Hassan Jedi/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, posted on X early on Monday that his teams reported a "good first day" of the cease-fire between Hamas and Israel as the agreement has run smoothly in its first full 24 hours.
This comes as over 630 humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza as the cease-fire took effect on Sunday and as many displaced Palestinians began returning to their bombed-out neighborhoods and homes, some searching for the bodies of loved ones from under debris.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This cease-fire is a massive bipartisan victory for America, which was only possible because the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration joined efforts to push for peace in Gaza. Now, it's time for Hamas and Israel to make good on their commitments and put an end to the war.
Left narrative
Benjamin Netanyahu doesn't care about Israeli hostages or even about Trump's larger Middle East agenda, he needs the conflict in Gaza to remain in office and will find an excuse to renew the war. Either he will stall talks for phase two or promote violence in the West Bank. It's just a matter of time.
Right narrative
Despite all the pressure from the international community for a cease-fire in Gaza, this agreement doesn't liberate Gaza from Hamas and, therefore, does nothing to address the root causes of the conflict and bring lasting peace to the region. Actually, it will allow Hamas to regroup and continue its war against Israel.
Pro-Palestine narrative
More than one year into the Israeli genocide campaign against Palestinians in Gaza, a much-needed cease-fire has finally come into effect. The Strip is no longer a place fit to live, and many more will die there even if peace lasts. There's also no guarantee that Israel will halt the blockade and harassment of the population.
