Fragile Truce
Hamas and Israel’s ceasefire is on thin ice.
Monday, Hamas said it would delay Saturday’s planned release of three hostages, claiming Israel is “targeting with direct shelling and gunfire” and delaying emergency shelter supplies. Israel called Hamas’s plan “a complete violation” of their agreement and moved troops to the Gaza border, saying, “If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon—the ceasefire will be terminated.”
Phase-two negotiations involving final hostage releases and a permanent end to the war have been delayed.
Other post-war discussions remain underway, with Trump saying he may withhold military aid to Jordan ($1B+ annually) and Egypt (~$1.5B annually) if they don’t take in Palestinians—which both countries oppose, citing security risk. Trump hosted Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House yesterday to discuss the future of Gaza.
CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
War puts the brokenness of this world on full display and reminds us of our desperate need for ultimate redemption. Jesus, the light of the world, came to shine in the darkness. Pray that the Middle East would experience the darkness-penetrating light of Christ.
“That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.”
John 1:5 (CSB) (read full passage)