Direct talks between the US and Hamas challenge Israel's narrative monopoly in Gaza. The presence of a third party helps to address the asymmetry in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Israel's efforts to control the narrative are seen in its treatment of the media and its attempts to silence Palestinians. Israel has spent millions of dollars to manipulate politicians and the foreign press. The recent meeting between a US representative and a senior Hamas leader shows progress and challenges the narrative that Hamas is the obstacle to peace. The US may continue direct negotiations with Hamas despite Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement that it was a one-off meeting.