Middle East Milestone

Negotiators for Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire and hostage deal—phase one of President Trump’s larger peace plan—in Egypt yesterday.

Israel’s cabinet signed off hours later, starting the 24-hour countdown to a total ceasefire. Under the deal, IDF troops will start withdrawing from Gaza until they hold ~53% of the Strip. Hamas will then release all hostages within 72 hours; Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners; and hundreds of aid trucks will enter Gaza daily. 

Palestinians in Gaza and hostage advocates in Israel are celebrating the milestone (watch here). PM Netanyahu celebrated Israel’s “diplomatic success” and “moral victory,” and Hamas emphasized Palestinians’ “tremendous sacrifices.”

With a ceasefire in place, Israel and Hamas can begin to negotiate other thorny issues—like Hamas’s disarmament and Gaza’s future—before a peace deal is done.

PRAY WITH US
Give thanks to God for progress, and trust Him for long-term peace:

Wonderful Counselor, You are the One who winds down wars and teaches peace (Isaiah 54:13). May Your peace rule in the hearts of Israelis, Palestinians, members of Hamas, diplomats, U.S. officials, and all members of Christ’s body (Colossians 3:15-17). Bring evil plans to nothing and promote the good of the vulnerable, so that people from all nations would see Your goodness and submit to the Prince of Peace.

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