from the Daily Standard

It’s yet another chapter in a now predictable script: Israel says “yes,” Hamas says “maybe,” and in the end it’s another “no.” While hostages’ lives hang in the balance, Hamas keeps spinning, delaying, sabotaging—all the while playing the media as if it were the victims of misunderstanding and dishonesty.

Israel has agreed to the so-called Witkoff plan, which was developed under the leadership of US envoy Steve Witkoff. The plan focuses on the release of hostages, among other things. Hamas has now issued a ‘response’ – content unknown – but according to Israel it again amounts to Hamas blocking the ceasefire. And what does Hamas do? Instead of taking responsibility, it cries tearfully that the American mediator is “biased”. As if we are talking about a friendly consultation between business partners. As if Hamas itself has ever been neutral or reasonable.

(Original in Dutch)