Tug of War

Latest Episodes:

Biden’s Optimistic About a Ceasefire Deal. Hamas and Israel Say Not So Fast. Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

In recent days, negotiating parties have met in Paris and Qatar in hopes of reaching a deal on a hostage release and a pause in fighting in Gaza. While two sources familiar with the discussions say Hamas has softened on some key demands, Israel is throwing cold water on the idea of substantial progress. In this episode, CNN’s Jeremy Diamond brings us the latest and explains how divisions between rival political factions could complicate the postwar reality for Palestinians in the region.

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How a Gaza Food Convoy Became an Israeli Target Feb 23, 2024

Show notes

Despite heavy Israeli bombardment, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are still living in northern Gaza without basic supplies like food. The United Nations says it has identified acute malnutrition in 16.2% of children there as hunger continues to spread throughout the strip. Meanwhile, humanitarian groups have faced a number of challenges in getting aid into Gaza and are finding even more difficulty delivering it. In this episode, CNN’s Katie Polglase investigates how a UN aid convoy came under Israeli fire despite traveling on an approved route.

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What Kind of Ceasefire Can the US Get Behind? Feb 21, 2024

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As Israel prepares a potential ground operation into Rafah, the US has vetoed a United Nations resolution calling for an ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza. Meanwhile, it has proposed its own draft resolution which calls for a ‘temporary ceasefire.’ The diplomatic moves come after Israel’s military raided the largest functioning hospital in Gaza, exacerbating the healthcare crisis for desperate Palestinians. In this episode, CNN’s Nic Roberson explains why the Biden administration’s cautious language just buys Israel more time.

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On The Frontlines of the Red Sea Response Feb 16, 2024

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Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen continue to target commercial ships and US coalition forces in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s aggression in Gaza. The attacks have disrupted global shipping and escalated tension in the region. While the US continues to respond by striking targets in Yemen, it’s not clear how much of the Houthi’s capabilities have been destroyed. In this episode, CNN’s Natasha Bertrand tells us about her unique experience on board two US Navy vessels leading the response in the Red Sea.

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The Huge Toll of a Hostage Rescue in Rafah Feb 14, 2024

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Israel has announced plans to launch a ground offensive into Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians are taking shelter with nowhere else to go. On Monday, Israel’s military rescued two Israeli-Argentine hostages from the southern Gaza city but killed about 100 Palestinians in the process, local officials say. In this episode, CNN’s Nic Robertson explains why much of the international community is worried this rescue mission could be just a precursor to a much deadlier ground operation in the overcrowded city.

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Four Months of War: Running Out of Time in Rafah Feb 09, 2024

Show notes

Thousands of displaced Palestinians in the southern city of Rafah say they are increasingly worried about what will happen when Israel’s military pushes even further into southern Gaza. Four months into the war, aid groups say hospitals are barely functional and full-blown famine is starting to set in for thousands. In this episode, CNN’s Ivana Kottasová tells us why a push into Rafah could be so deadly and examines Israel’s lack of progress in eliminating top Hamas leadership.

Host: David Rind

Guest: Ivana Kottasová, CNN International Senior Producer

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Four Months of War: Complicated Anger in Israel Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

Four months after the deadly Hamas terror attack on Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is back in the region speaking to the major players working on a potential hostage release and ceasefire deal. As hostage families continue to wait for news, there are other points of anger being directed at Israel’s government. In this episode, CNN’s Ivana Kottasová tells us about her conversations with Israelis frustrated with how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has handled the response.

Host: David Rind

Guest: Ivana Kottasová, CNN International Senior Producer

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Iran's New Headache: Its Own Proxies Feb 02, 2024

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As Iranian-backed proxies continue to step up attacks across the Middle East, experts have been closely watching Iranian leadership for their response. Meanwhile, the US continues to weigh its next moves after a recent attack that killed three US service members in Jordan. In this episode, CNN’s Natasha Bertrand explains what new intelligence can tell us about how Iran may adjust its strategy moving forward.

Host: David Rind

Guest: Natasha Bertrand, CNN National Security Reporter

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What the Next Hostage Release Could Look Like Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

After weeks of negotiations, a broad framework for a new hostage release and potential ceasefire is being considered by Hamas. While details are still being sorted out, the news could provide hope to families of those who have been held inside Gaza for months. In this episode, CNN’s Alex Marquardt lays out the parameters of a potential deal and explains how allegations that staffers from the main UN relief agency in Gaza were involved in Hamas’ October 7 terror attacks could complicate matters.

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Why are Graves in Gaza Being Unearthed? Jan 26, 2024

Show notes

As Israeli military operations continue inside Gaza, Palestinians continue to struggle to find food and shelter. Meanwhile, tactics being used by Israel Defense Forces on the ground are coming under scrutiny ahead of an initial ruling from the International Court of Justice in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel. In this episode, CNN’s Jeremy Diamond tells us about his team’s investigation which found at least 16 cemeteries in Gaza desecrated by Israeli forces.

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