Tenuous Truces
Israel’s ceasefires are proving fragile.
Saturday, Hamas released four female Israeli soldiers in good health in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners. Then, Sunday, the IDF prevented thousands of Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza, saying Hamas violated the agreement because it didn’t free a civilian hostage scheduled to be released before the soldiers. Hamas said the hostage was alive and promised her release.
Meanwhile, Israel’s two-month-old ceasefire with Lebanon-based Hezbollah threatens to un-cease.
The deal requires Israel to withdraw and Lebanon to deploy forces and clear Hezbollah weapons. Israel says it won’t leave until Lebanese forces arrive, but Lebanese forces refuse to deploy until Israel leaves. Friday, the IDF said it wouldn’t meet Sunday’s withdrawal deadline, warning civilians not to return home. Thousands tried to return anyway; at least 22 were killed when the IDF opened fire.
RADIATE HOPE
Human plans for peace are temporary and fallible, but God’s purpose for eternal peace cannot be undone by human brokenness. Seek him in all you do, and you’ll radiate his peace in a chaotic world.
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful. You have heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am coming to you.’”
John 14:27–28 (CSB) (read full passage)