Israel Strikes Gaza, Killing Over 400 and Ending Ceasefire

Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across Gaza, reportedly killing at least 413 people and ending a two-month pause in the war. 

The Details: The strikes came after Israel claimed, “Hamas repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all proposals presented by U.S. President’s envoy, Steve Witkoff.” Associated Press (Left bias) wrote that “Hamas refused Israeli demands to change the ceasefire agreement.” The death toll was reported by Palestinian health authorities and includes women and children.

For Context: During the six weeks that constituted the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 25 living Israeli hostages and eight bodies in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Over the last two weeks, Israel and Hamas were unable to agree on a way to pursue a second phase. Hamas still holds 59 hostages, 35 of which are believed to be dead.

Key Quotes: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said, “Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength.” A senior Hamas official said the strikes are a “death sentence” for the remaining hostages.

How The Media Covered It: Associated Press and Fox News (Right) framed the story differently. Fox highlighted the Israeli government’s perspective in its headline. AP highlighted the death toll in its headline and used sensational language, saying the ceasefire was “shattered” by Israel. AP also included some details that appealed to emotion, such as a report that a strike on Rafah “killed 17 members of one family, including at least 12 women and children,” and that its reporters in Gaza “saw explosions and plumes of smoke.” Fox highlighted the “terror” and “terrorist” threats posed by Hamas while AP didn’t use either word in its coverage.

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