Peace Shuffle

Promising peace talks continued yesterday on the second anniversary of the Gaza war.

“Shuffle meetings”—indirect talks between Israel and Hamas with Egyptian and Qatari officials acting as go-betweens—began Monday in Egypt. The warring parties are hashing out the particulars of President Trump’s proposed peace deal, focusing on phase one: “creating the field conditions” for a hostage-prisoner exchange and detailing Israel’s military withdrawal.

The plan calls for Hamas to release all 48 remaining hostages (20 are believed to be alive) in exchange for the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israel.

Hamas still hasn’t responded to several other key deal terms, including its disarmament and role in Gaza’s governance, but negotiators are optimistic about Hamas’s willingness. President Trump said on Monday that there’s a “really good chance” of making a “lasting deal.” 

RADIATE HOPE
Our world is overwhelmed by violence and loss and swirling anxieties. Turn your hearts and eyes to God, in whose presence peace is found. Pray that He would quiet this conflict, win the hearts of Israelis and Palestinians, and help you to rest in Him alone. 

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. For I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’”
Isaiah 41:10-13 (CSB) (read full passage)

Interested in better understanding the basics of the Israel-Palestine conflict? We created a high-level timeline to skim the surface for you. See it here.