Bread Lines and Salty Drinking Water: Israeli Aid Block Sets Gaza Back Again
New York Times1 day ago
Gaza Peace Talks Stall, Israel Launches New Airstrikes
Above: Palestinians look at a car that became unusable as a result of the Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahia, Gaza, on March 15, 2025. Image copyright: Abdalhkem Abu Riash/ContributorAnadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
According to Palestinian authorities, Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza's Beit Lahiya on Saturday killed nine Palestinians, including three journalists who were documenting relief efforts, while several others were wounded when the strike hit a car carrying charity workers.
The Israeli military, however, claimed it targeted individuals operating a drone that posed a threat to forces, later striking others who were collecting the drone equipment. Other sources claimed the strike killed humanitarian workers setting up tents.
Hamas offered to release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, 21, and the remains of four other dual citizens, but only if Israel begins talks for the second-phase of the cease-fire agreement.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The US and Israel are coordinating effectively to extend the Gaza cease-fire, with envoy Steve Witkoff proposing a weeks-long truce for Hamas to release five living and 10 dead hostages. Israel has responded positively and shown flexibility as the US pushes for a long-term solution. However, Hamas must stop its duplicitous rhetoric — claiming flexibility yet stalling with unacceptable demands — that undermines talks and prolongs the crisis.
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel welcomes US efforts for a cease-fire, however, Hamas remains a lethal threat, rejecting deals and holding hostages, necessitating its military elimination. Israel's plan to escalate pressure — cutting aid, power, and launching a larger offensive — aims to dismantle Hamas. This has been the goal from the beginning and remains the only way to ensure security alongside negotiations.
Pro-Palestine narrative
The US-Israel cease-fire talks are a sham, masking their real aim of starving and bombing Palestinians out of Gaza. Pres. Trump's threats, arms shipments to Israel, and blockade support expose a genocidal intent, not negotiation. The efforts by their negotiation representatives are also theater as Israel rejects troop withdrawal proposals and plans to resettle Palestinians in Africa. The end goal is ethnic cleansing, not peace, all while feigning diplomacy.