CNN reports this afternoon that Hamas has accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar that would halt the seven-month war with Israel in Gaza.
In a statement today (5/6/2024), Hamas said the head of its political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, told the Qatari prime minister and Egyptian intelligence minister that it had accepted their ceasefire proposal. The Israeli government is reportedly reviewing the ceasefire framework now.
The news comes just hours after Israel ordered Palestinians living in Rafah, Gaza, to immediately evacuate, raising fears that Israel’s long-threatened assault within Rafah was imminent. More than one million Palestinians have fled to Rafah, where Hamas is believed to have regrouped its remaining fighting forces.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under fierce pressure from the more extreme wing of his coalition not to accept a ceasefire proposal; however, large numbers of Israelis have demanded that Netanyahu accept a deal. Families and supporters of the hostages blocked the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv last week, holding a banner reading: “Rafah or the hostages – choose life.”
The CNN report may be read HERE.
The Washington Times is also reporting about the settlement framework proposed by Egypt and Qatar, and Hamas’ agreement with the terms.
Hamas has sought a permanent cease-fire that would, in effect, end the war that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters stormed across the border and killed at least 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and took hundreds of others hostage. Prime Minister Netanyahu has consistently indicated his desire for a temporary ceasefire, allowing for the exchange of hostages being held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners – that would not inhibit Israel’s military operations to destroy Hamas entirely.
According to REUTERS, in a report cited by The Washington Times, Hamas’ Deputy Chief Khalil Al-Hayya says that the current ceasefire deal would be implemented in three separate, 42-day stages. The first stage would reportedly include an Israeli-Palestinian prisoner swap and the second phase would include Israel’s compete withdrawal from Gaza.
The Washington Times report may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, Israel, and in particular, Prime Minister Netanyahu, has been exceedingly clear that Israel is not interested in accepting a permanent ceasefire that would prematurely end the war before Hamas’ remaining strongholds in Rapha, Gaza, were destroyed and sufficient in-place security provisions have been established by the Israel Defense Forces.
Caution is seemingly appropriate right now, because it is clear that Hamas is responding to the determination of Israel to imminently enter Rafah and ‘get the job done.’
As is always the right choice, FGGAM and this writer pray for peace in the Middle East and in Israel in particular! The Hamas attack upon Israel was an exceedingly evil and destabilizing event brought forth from terrorist sponsors and actors, including Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah. It bears reminding, however, that the Middle East has been in continual conflict that will never be resolved until Jesus’ return!
Although any violation of the Ten Commandments (read: sin) is unacceptable before God, by any person or country, including Israel, let us never forget that the Jewish people are beloved by God and are His chosen people. All of us who profess faith in Christ should prayerfully consider our opinions in this matter and pray for the peace of Israel, as well as the entire Middle East.
Let’s remember what scripture says about Israel and the Jewish people:
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, 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.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!