Ceasefire Continues
It’s day six of the first six-week phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, and so far, both parties are holding up their ends of the deal.
More than 2,400 aid trucks have entered Gaza since Sunday; thousands of Gaza’s nearly 1.9 million displaced residents have returned to their war-ravaged homes; and three Hamas-held hostages have been released.
Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. (the ceasefire facilitators) are reportedly on track to start phase two negotiations up to two weeks early, though officials claim phase two—which includes more hostage releases—will be a lengthier process than phase one.
Further north, Russia received a warning from President Trump yesterday to “settle” its war with Ukraine or face high tariffs and sanctions. The Kremlin said they’re “very closely monitoring” remarks from Washington, but they have yet to take action.
CHRISTIAN RESPONSE:
War is a heavy burden that impresses upon us our world’s need for restoration. Jesus came to bear that burden of sin, lighten our load, and restore our world. Pray that war-torn places would experience that restoration and glorify the Messiah Jesus.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28–30 (CSB) (read full passage)