Newsmax reports that talks held in Cairo, Egypt, seeking a possible ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, broke up yesterday (3/4/2024) – only days before the start of Islam’s Ramadan.
A senior Hamas official, Bassem Naim, told REUTERS that Hamas presented its ceasefire proposal to the mediators, but was now waiting for a response from the Israelis – who have not participated in this round of discussions.
The Biden Administration, a sponsor of the ceasefire talks, asserts that an Israeli-approved deal was already on the negotiating table and that it was up to Hamas to accept it. Hamas disputes this account as an attempt to deflect blame from Israel if the talks collapse with no deal.
The Newsmax article may be read HERE.
My brother and sisters, as this writer has stated many times before, Israel understands that it must fight to win the war against Hamas, and that victory means the destruction and removal of Hamas from the country. For its part, Hamas has never been a reliable negotiating partner, has rejected several past offers for a two-state solution, and as quoted in the Newsmax article, admits that it does not have control over the state of the hostages taken on October 7, 2023.
If you are willing, let’s ask the Father to bring a swift, just and clear ending to this war, which results in a framework for reconstructing a functioning Palestinian society and affords for Israeli security, peace and reconciliation. Continuing hatred, and the desire to wipe Israel and the Jews from the face of the earth, is not the answer.
Let’s not forget what scripture has to say about His chosen people:
Genesis 12:3 (NKJV)
The LORD said to Abram (later Abraham): “I will bless those who bless you, [a]nd I will curse him who curses you; [a]nd in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Deuteronomy 7:6 (NKJV)
“For you [the Jews] are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself [emphasis mine], a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.”
Zechariah 2:8-10 (NKJV)
“For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. For surely I will shake My hand against them, and they shall become spoil for their servants. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me. Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion [Jerusalem]! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,’ says the Lord.”
And, let’s never forget this absolutely critical truth:
Acts 4:11-12 (Amplified Bible)
Peter Speaks to the High Priest, Magistrates, Elders and Scribes
“This Jesus is the stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief Cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].”
Praise Jesus forevermore!