Statehood Standoff

Ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas stalled… again. 

Last week, several Western countries announced plans to recognize a state of Palestine—including France, Canada, and the U.K.—and Arab governments urged Hamas to disarm and give up governance of Gaza. But Saturday, Hamas said it would fight until an “independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital” was established.

Hamas’s refusal to disarm is a dealbreaker for Israel. 

Meanwhile, Uncle Sam’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited Gaza to investigate the humanitarian situation firsthand. Witkoff visited PM Netanyahu, families of Israeli hostages, and an aid site of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF, an organization run by Americans and supported by Israel). The GHF reports delivering over a million meals daily, but has drawn criticism for unsafe conditions and bypassing the U.N.

CHOOSE HUMILITY
Proverbs warns against “scoffers” who are so set in their opinions they lash out when confronted. “Scoffers” are contrasted with the “wise,” who respond with humility and love. Whether you’re discussing statehood or aid sites or who’s hogging the bathroom, seek to soften your heart, be open to correction, and be counted among the wise.  

“Don’t rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke the wise, and he will love you.” 
Proverbs 9:8 (CSB) (read full passage)