On the Ground

The fighting in Gaza appears to be intensifying.

On Monday, Israeli ground forces advanced into Deir al-Balah—a major humanitarian hub in central Gaza and one of the few places that had not been evacuated or declared a military zone. Israel says Hamas is keeping some of the remaining 50 hostages in the city.

Meanwhile, the U.K., Canada, Japan, and 25 other countries issued a joint statement calling for the removal of Israeli-enforced aid restrictions, saying it’s “horrifying” that over 800 Palestinians (including children) have been killed while seeking aid. The statement goes on to condemn Hamas for taking hostages who “continue to suffer terribly” and demands their unconditional release. 

The White House says President Trump was “caught off guard” by the claims of Gazans dying while seeking aid, and that an Israel-Hamas ceasefire remains a “top priority.”

ABOVE ALL, LOVE
It’s easy to become sad, angry, and indignant over world events, but it’s much more difficult to live with the tension of desiring change while simultaneously loving everyone involved—captors, hostages, Palestinians, Israelis, and those who disagree with you about the way out of this war.

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.” 
Luke 6:32 (CSB) (read full passage)