Israel-Hamas live updates: Israel signals start of Gaza ceasefire after delay; Hamas names first hostages set for release
NBCJAN 26
Hamas: 'Positive Signals' Hostages to Be Released This Saturday
Above: Palestinians continue their daily life at Bureij Refugee Camp in the Gaza Strip on Feb. 12, 2025. Image copyright: Moiz Salhi/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Preventing the collapse of the cease-fire in Gaza is imperative to both regional security and humanitarian concerns. Both sides must work through the issues on the table and continue negotiating, as no one benefits from a return to war.
Pro-Israel narrative
Unlike his predecessor, Trump has been a great friend to Israel and is committed to freeing the hostages from their terrorist captors. For too long, Israel has had its hands tied and been prevented from winning this war. Now, with a friendly administration in Washington, Israel can set the terms of the future.
Pro-Palestine narrative
It has been clear since day one that Netanyahu would do everything he could to sabotage the cease-fire and return to the war to ensure his political survival. Trump has taken the bait and is giving Netanyahu the needed cover to prevent negotiations from progressing. Indeed, why would Hamas move forward with a deal that Israel seeks to undermine?